Magnitude 7.4 quake hits western Colombia, killing at least 111 people

A catastrophic 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, resulting in at least 111 fatalities, damage to numerous structures, and numerous individuals trapped beneath rubble. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced that 87 individuals sustained injuries and declared a state of emergency to facilitate rapid funding for disaster recovery efforts.

He expressed his pledge to visit the affected region, stating, "We aren’t going to leave people alone. They are in our hearts and we are going to tend to people with our full determination." The epicenter of the quake was located in San Jose Del Palmar, a community of approximately 4,800 residents situated in the Choco region, roughly 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Colombia's capital, Bogota.

The seismic activity was also perceptible in neighboring Ecuador and Panama, albeit with limited reported damage. In the affected western regions of Colombia, cities such as Pereira, Quibdo, Cali, and Manizales were particularly hard hit. Rescue teams, alongside residents, were diligently sifting through the debris of demolished buildings, grappling with apprehensions over potential aftershocks.