Powerful earthquake in Colombia kills more than 100 people

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, resulting in over 100 deaths and widespread destruction. The epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, approximately 240 kilometers west of Bogotá. At a depth of 107 kilometers, the quake hit at 7:34 a.m. local time. Dozens of casualties were reported in the Risaralda region alone, with additional deaths and injuries in Valle del Cauca, Caldas, Antioquia, and Chocó.

President Abelardo De la Espriella, who assumed office on Friday, declared a state of national disaster to mobilize resources to the affected areas. In Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, at least 30 buildings collapsed, trapping people under rubble. The mayor urged citizens to check for structural damage and evacuate if they noticed significant cracks.

Many health facilities in the city were closed due to damage, and patients were trapped underneath. Colombian President Dilian Francisca Toro emphasized the priority to rescue those still buried. Other regional leaders promised to enhance rescue efforts, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offering her government's support.

The earthquake also impacted Colombian airports in six cities, suspending flight operations. In the capital, Bogotá, the tremor caused alarms to sound, and many people evacuated their buildings. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Galán reported minimal injuries and structural damage, with only minor cracks in buildings.