At least 77 dead after major earthquake hits Colombia

On Monday, Colombia declared a state of emergency after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western regions, leaving at least 111 dead and causing widespread destruction. President Abelardo de la Espriella reported the death toll, highlighting the urgent need for rescue operations and aid distribution. The epicenter, located in Colombia's Choco region at a depth of 100 kilometers, triggered a frantic search for survivors in several cities.

Pereira, the provincial capital of Risaralda, bore the brunt of the disaster, with authorities confirming 40 fatalities. The revered cathedral of Manizales suffered severe damage, while Cali's third-largest city witnessed 20 buildings collapsing, trapping numerous individuals beneath the rubble. Authorities in Quibdo reported a significant number of missing persons following the quake.

Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela also felt the tremors, leading to building evacuations in Bogota. Six small airports in western Colombia suspended operations, and international organizations, including the US and EU, pledged support for Colombia's response efforts.