Colombia earthquake: Death toll rises to 74, dozens of buildings collapse — latest updates

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, resulting in at least 111 deaths and 87 injuries. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency to expedite recovery efforts. The quake caused significant damage in cities like Pereira, Quibdó, Cali, and Manizales. At least 19 buildings collapsed in Cali, trapping residents.

In Quibdó, the capital of Chocó province, there were injuries and major structural damage. Bogotá residents also felt the tremors, with some rushing out of their homes. There were two aftershocks of magnitudes 2.8 and 4.8. Colombia's civil aviation authority suspended flights at several airports due to potential structural damage.

The epicenter was near San José del Palmar, a community of about 4,800 people in Chocó, around 250 miles west of Bogotá. The US Geological Survey initially reported the quake at a depth of approximately 66 miles, while Colombia's geological service later revised the depth to about 96 miles. The earthquake was the strongest in Colombia in the past decade, and authorities warned residents to remain alert for further aftershocks.

International support and assistance were offered from various countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador, and the United States.