At least 111 killed after Massive earthquake rocks Colombia

At least 111 people have lost their lives after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, reducing numerous buildings to rubble and causing widespread panic. President Abelardo de la Espriella reported that 87 individuals were injured, and over 1,500 residential structures suffered damage, with 61 collapsing entirely.

The quake's epicenter was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, 240 kilometers west of Bogotá, at a depth of 96 kilometers. Tremors were felt across major Colombian cities, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Pereira, Popayán, Armenia, and Manizales, as well as neighboring Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. Videos shared on social media depicted destroyed buildings and people rushing into the streets in terror.

At least 47 fatalities were reported in Pereira, 27 in Valle del Cauca, four in Chocó, and three in Manizales, with many more injured. Power, telephone, and communication services were disrupted across the country. President de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and established a crisis task force in San José del Palmar to coordinate aid efforts.

International leaders, including Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have offered support and pledged to assist with rescue and relief operations.