Colombia declares state of emergency after quake kills 111

Colombia has declared a state of emergency following a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western parts of the country on Monday morning, resulting in at least 111 fatalities and significant damage to numerous buildings. The quake's epicenter was located in Colombia's coastal Choco region, at a depth of 100 kilometers.

President Abelardo de la Espriella reported 111 deaths, 87 injuries, and over 1,000 buildings severely damaged. The impoverished Choco region reportedly suffered 12 deaths, while nearby city Pereira faced the worst destruction, with at least 40 fatalities reported in Risaralda province. The quake caused the collapse of a cathedral tower in Manizales and extensive damage in Cali, trapping people under debris.

Traffic has been halted, and residents are hesitant to return home due to fears of aftershocks. The quake also affected neighboring Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela, prompting building evacuations in Bogota, Colombia's capital. Six small airports in western Colombia suspended operations, and the soccer federation postponed upcoming matches.

The US and EU have offered support, with the EU activating its satellite service for rescue operations.