Colombia quake death toll hits 111 as rescue teams race to find survivors

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake with the strongest recorded in Colombia this century struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread damage and claiming at least 111 lives. The epicenter of the quake was located in San Jose del Palmar, Choco region, about 400 kilometers west of Bogota. Initial reports indicate that the quake damaged approximately 1,600 buildings, 61 of which collapsed completely.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency and sought urgent funding to aid in relief efforts. The death toll included 40 people in Risaralda, 27 in Valle del Cauca, and three children. Authorities also reported nine deaths in Choco, two in Caldas, and one in Antioquia, though the remaining 32 fatalities' locations were not immediately disclosed.

Rescue operations were ongoing in several western regions, including Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia, where volunteers formed human chains to clear debris and rescue survivors. The earthquake was felt across western Colombia, neighbouring Ecuador, and Panama, causing damage in cities like Cali, Pereira, Quibdo, and Manizales.

President de la Espriella emphasized that the government would not abandon the affected individuals, vowing to support them with full determination. The United States pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid for shelter, food, and other earthquake relief efforts. Other countries, including El Salvador, Mexico, and Chile, also offered assistance in response to the disaster.