Death toll rises to more than 130 after 7.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Colombia

The death toll from a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has risen to over 130 following its strike on western Colombia. The quake struck the coastal Choco region late Monday, triggering a frantic search for survivors in several cities. At least 132 people have been confirmed dead, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities.

The epicentre of the quake was 100km deep in Colombia's coastal Choco region. Local authorities in the impoverished area reported 13 deaths. The nearby city of Pereira was one of the worst-hit areas, with at least 66 people confirmed dead, including those trapped beneath the debris of crumbled buildings. The quake also damaged many buildings in the city of Manizales, where a beloved cathedral crumbled.

Traffic was paralysed, and people were reluctant to return home due to fears of aftershocks. At least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali, trapping people beneath the rubble. The provincial capital Quibdo reported serious damage, with dozens of people confirmed dead and many more missing. The quake affected other countries as well, prompting building evacuations in Bogota and prompting the postponement of football matches. The US, EU, Mexico, Ecuador, and France offered assistance and support to Colombia.