At least 111 killed in Colombia's largest earthquake in years
The magnitude 7.4 quake had its epicentre in Chocó province, near the Pacific Coast, but could be felt in cities hundreds of kilometres away.
At least 111 people lost their lives in Colombia's most powerful earthquake in years, prompting a state of emergency to be declared. The magnitude 7.4 quake struck at 07:34 local time, causing significant damage across western Colombia and prompting widespread fear for those trapped under collapsed structures. The epicenter was near the village of San José del Palmar in Chocó province, but the city of Pereira experienced some of the worst consequences.
At least 40 deaths were reported in Pereira, with 65 buildings collapsing. Damage was also reported in cities like Cali, Medellín, Manizales, Quibdó, and Buenaventura. While the capital, Bogotá, saw shaking and minor structural damage, President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster situation, granting emergency powers to address the crisis.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Colombia's rescue efforts.
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