Huge quake hits west Colombia, killing at least 73 people and collapsing buildings

Colombia has declared a state of emergency following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the western region of the country, resulting in at least 111 deaths and widespread destruction. The quake, which hit at 7:34 am local time, triggered a massive search operation to locate survivors trapped under the rubble in several cities.

President Abelardo de la Espriella reported 111 deaths, 87 injuries, and damage to over 1,000 buildings. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the coastal Choco region at a depth of 100 kilometers. Pereira, the provincial capital of Risaralda, was among the hardest hit areas, with local authorities confirming over 40 deaths.

In Manizales, a beloved cathedral was severely damaged, and many other buildings in the city sustained significant harm. Traffic was severely disrupted, and residents were hesitant to return to their homes due to fears of aftershocks. The quake also caused significant damage in Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia, where at least 20 buildings collapsed.

Quibdo, the provincial capital of Choco, reported numerous buildings reduced to rubble. The earthquake caused panic across Colombia, with crowds evacuating their homes in the capital, Bogota, despite only minor damage being observed. Six small airports in western Colombia suspended operations, and a major soccer event was postponed.

The United States and the European Union have offered support to Colombia, with the EU leveraging its satellite service, Copernicus, to aid rescue efforts.