79 dead after 7.4-magnitude quake shakes western Colombia

Pereira, Colombia - A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck several cities in Colombia's coffee-producing region and Pacific coast, resulting in at least 111 deaths and damaging over 1,500 buildings. The magnitude quake, which hit at around 7:30am local time, sent terrified residents fleeing into the streets. Dentist Julian Pena recounted feeling "very, very strong" shaking and evacuating his home in Quibdo to join a crowd of people praying in the streets.

Authorities launched a massive rescue operation across multiple cities and put hospitals on high alert. Volunteers, including Cali resident Andres Felipe Mejia, worked tirelessly to pull survivors from collapsed buildings, though several people, including a man and a baby, were still trapped under rubble. The toll from the disaster is expected to rise as rescuers continue their efforts.

In Manizales, damaged buildings, including the neo-Gothic cathedral, were evident, and heavy traffic paralyzing the city, with residents reluctant to return home due to fears of aftershocks. President Abelardo de la Esperieira, who had recently taken office, declared a state of emergency and vowed that Colombia would "move forward together."

The quake was felt across the country, including in the capital Bogota, where crowds of people were seen running out into the streets in their pajamas. In neighboring Ecuador and Panama, the quake caused minimal damage. The US Geological Survey attributed the quake to movement along a deep fault within the Nazca tectonic plate. Six airports suspended operations, and all professional football matches were postponed.

Messages of support poured in from across Latin America and around the world, including from Colombian pop star Shakira, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen who mobilized satellite service Copernicus to aid rescue operations. Several countries, including Israel, Mexico, Ecuador, and France, also offered assistance.