More than 100 killed after strongest quake hits western Colombia
More than 100 people were killed after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction and claiming more than 100 lives. The quake, the strongest ever recorded in Colombia this century, toppled buildings, damaged hospitals and infrastructure, and left many trapped under the rubble. President Abelardo De La Espriella declared a national state of emergency and promised rent subsidies for those who lost their homes.
The administration deployed all its capabilities to protect lives, assist affected communities, and deliver aid. Rescue workers and volunteers worked tirelessly to find survivors, with footage showing people being pulled from piles of rubble. The city of Cali, western Colombia's largest, faced curfews and heightened security due to fears of looting.
The Colombian civil aviation authority suspended operations at several airports in the region, conducting structural inspections. Colombia, situated along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes, though this quake's inland location and strike-slip motion may have amplified the damage in populated areas.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Colombia declares emergency after 7.4 quake kills 111; UAE, world leaders pledge support gulfnews.com
- Colombia declares state of emergency after quake kills 111 koreatimes.co.kr
- Huge quake hits west Colombia, killing at least 73 people and collapsing buildings timesofisrael.com
- In pictures: Devastation in Colombia after quake rte.ie
- Al Jazeera reporter on the ground as Colombia quake death toll rises aljazeera.com
- Colombia declares state of emergency after quake kills 111 hindustantimes.com
