A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people and injuring another 87, according to authorities.
The earthquake caused widespread destruction across several parts of the country, with buildings collapsing, roads covered in debris and residents rushing outdoors as powerful shaking was felt across a large area.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency following the disaster and said rescue operations would focus on locating people who could still be trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Multiple cities suffer damage as rescuers search rubble
The earthquake was centred in the western department of Chocó, near San José del Palmar. The US Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.4, with its focus roughly 107km beneath the surface.
Despite the relatively deep origin of the quake, the powerful tremors caused extensive damage in several populated areas. Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó were among the cities where significant destruction was reported.
Reports said dozens of buildings collapsed, while hundreds of others suffered varying degrees of damage. In affected neighbourhoods, residents and emergency responders worked together to clear rubble and search for survivors.
The death toll included people in the Chocó region, where authorities reported significant injuries and structural damage. Rescue teams continued assessing affected communities as concerns remained over further casualties and possible aftershocks.
Airports suspended operations after earthquake damage
The earthquake was also strong enough to affect Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, where buildings were evacuated as residents felt the ground shaking.
Although authorities in Bogotá did not initially report major damage in the capital, people in several cities across the country left their homes and gathered outdoors for safety.
The tremors were also felt beyond Colombia, including parts of neighbouring Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela. No tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake.
Colombian aviation authorities temporarily suspended operations at airports in six cities, including Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó, so that facilities could be inspected for structural damage.
Rescue efforts continue as authorities assess destruction
The earthquake has been described as one of the most devastating seismic events to hit Colombia in recent years, with emergency services facing the difficult task of reaching damaged communities while dealing with continuing aftershocks.
Videos and photographs from affected areas showed residents fleeing buildings, damaged vehicles and streets covered in broken masonry. In some locations, ordinary residents joined rescuers in attempts to clear collapsed structures.
Authorities warned that the situation remained fluid, with rescue teams continuing to assess the full extent of the damage. The number of casualties could therefore change as emergency workers reach more remote areas and search through damaged buildings.
For now, the priority remains finding survivors, treating the injured and providing assistance to communities that have lost homes or suffered major structural damage.