A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, damaging buildings and leaving people trapped under rubble as emergency teams launched search-and-rescue operations.
The earthquake struck shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time near San José del Palmar in Chocó, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and Colombia’s geological authorities. Tremors were felt across parts of Colombia and in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.
The worst-affected areas included Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó. Authorities said more than 20 municipalities had reported damage, with rescue teams continuing to assess collapsed buildings and search for survivors.
Pereira authorities reported at least 18 deaths and said additional people were trapped beneath collapsed structures. Movement restrictions and school closures were introduced in the city to facilitate emergency operations.
In Manizales, part of a historic neo-Gothic cathedral tower collapsed following the earthquake. Authorities warned residents to remain alert for aftershocks and avoid damaged buildings.
The Colombian Geological Service described the earthquake as the strongest recorded in the country in decades. Several aftershocks were reported, raising concerns about further damage.
The earthquake also disrupted air travel, with authorities reporting interruptions at airports serving Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Buenaventura and Quibdó.
President Abelardo de la Espriella said he was overseeing emergency and reconstruction efforts. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was monitoring the situation and was prepared to assist affected areas.
The disaster has revived memories of Colombia’s devastating 1999 earthquake near Armenia, which killed more than 1,000 people and caused widespread destruction.
Rescue operations remain underway as authorities assess damage and search for people who may still be trapped. Officials have urged residents to follow emergency instructions and remain prepared for further aftershocks.
