A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, injuring dozens more and leaving residents trapped beneath collapsed buildings as emergency crews launched large-scale search and rescue operations.
The earthquake caused widespread destruction across several parts of western Colombia, damaging homes, public buildings, health facilities and transportation infrastructure. Authorities warned that the full extent of the disaster remained unclear as rescue teams continued to reach affected communities.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency and said his government had taken direct control of the national response. The disaster came only days after he was sworn into office, making the earthquake one of the first major crises of his presidency.
"We are not going to leave people alone," the president said, pledging that government agencies would work to rescue survivors and assist communities affected by the disaster.
Where did the earthquake strike?
The earthquake struck at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The epicenter was located near San José del Palmar in Colombia's Chocó region, roughly 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Bogotá. The community, home to fewer than 5,000 people, is situated in a mountainous and relatively remote area.
The earthquake was felt across large parts of Colombia, including the cities of Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó. Tremors were also reported in neighboring Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.
The Colombian Geological Service described the earthquake as the strongest recorded in the country in the 21st century.
Death toll rises as rescue operations continue
At least 111 people had died by Monday night, according to Colombian authorities and the Associated Press.
The Risaralda region, which includes the city of Pereira, reported at least 40 deaths, while at least 27 people were killed in Valle del Cauca, the region that includes Cali. Additional fatalities were reported in Chocó, Caldas and Antioquia.
At least 87 people were also injured.
Emergency officials warned that the number of casualties could change as rescuers gain access to areas that remain difficult to reach.
In Cali, one of Colombia's largest cities, authorities reported multiple collapsed structures and people trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams and local residents worked together to search damaged buildings for survivors.
Buildings and infrastructure heavily damaged
The earthquake caused extensive structural damage across western Colombia.
Government figures indicated that around 1,600 homes and other buildings had been damaged, while at least 61 structures had collapsed completely. Dozens of health centers and educational facilities were also affected.
The damage was particularly serious in Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó.
In Manizales, part of the city's historic cathedral was damaged after a section of the structure collapsed. Residents were urged to remain cautious and stay outside where possible because of the possibility of additional tremors.
In Pereira, footage from local media showed residents fleeing through streets filled with dust and debris. Parts of the city's airport were also damaged.
Several airports across western Colombia, including facilities serving Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura, suspended operations while officials inspected their infrastructure.
Remote communities face additional challenges
The earthquake struck an area where some communities are difficult to reach because of mountainous terrain and limited transportation infrastructure.
Officials also reported communication problems in parts of Chocó, making it harder for emergency agencies to determine the full scale of the destruction.
The region was already dealing with significant poverty and other humanitarian challenges before the earthquake. Aid organizations said those conditions could complicate rescue and relief operations.
The International Rescue Committee said its teams near the epicenter had reported damage to hospitals and clinics and were monitoring the situation.
The United Nations also said it was closely following developments and was prepared to assist Colombia if requested by the government.
Several UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, the International Organization for Migration and the Pan American Health Organization, indicated that they were ready to support humanitarian and emergency response efforts.
No tsunami threat reported
Despite the earthquake's strength, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System reported that there was no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat following the Colombian earthquake.
Authorities nevertheless continued to monitor the situation for aftershocks and additional structural damage.
The Colombian Geological Service reported that a series of aftershocks followed the main earthquake, adding to concerns for residents and rescue workers operating near damaged structures.
International support offered to Colombia
Messages of support quickly arrived from governments and international organizations following the disaster.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration was closely monitoring the earthquake and was prepared to support the Colombian people.
The United Nations also expressed solidarity with those affected and said it stood ready to provide assistance if needed.
The immediate priority remains finding survivors, treating the injured and determining the full extent of the destruction.
As rescue operations continue, Colombian authorities are expected to provide further updates on casualties, damaged infrastructure and humanitarian needs in the affected regions.
