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

On Monday, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, resulting in at least 111 deaths and widespread damage across cities such as Cali, Pereira, Quibdo, and Manizales. The epicenter was located in San Jose del Palmar, a community of 4,800 people in the Choco region, approximately 250 miles west of Bogota. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency to facilitate funding for the recovery efforts.

The quake was the strongest recorded in Colombia during the 21st century and was followed by several aftershocks. The Pacific region surrounding the epicenter, known as the Ring of Fire, is one of Colombia's poorest areas, often inaccessible by land. At least 40 people were killed in the Risaralda region, while 27 people perished in the Valle del Cauca region, including three children.

Nine people died in Choco, two in Caldas, and a 73-year-old in Antioquia. The death toll remains unclear for the remaining 32 victims. The earthquake, followed by aftershocks, left many trapped under debris, with local authorities reporting that people remained buried in around 380 damaged buildings in Cali. President de la Espriella emphasized that Colombia would not abandon its people, vowing to support them with all determination.