BOGOTÁ.- A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, killing at least 111 people, injuring dozens and causing widespread destruction across several departments as emergency crews continued searching collapsed buildings for survivors.
The earthquake was centered near San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, and was felt across a large portion of the country. International monitoring agencies initially issued slightly different magnitude estimates, while subsequent reports placed the event at approximately magnitude 7.4.
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The shaking was reported in major cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Bogotá, as well as communities across Colombia’s western region. Residents rushed out of homes, offices and commercial buildings as structures shook and emergency alarms sounded.
Some of the most serious damage was reported in areas of Chocó, Risaralda and Valle del Cauca. Authorities reported collapsed buildings, damaged homes, blocked roads and interruptions to communications and public services.
Approximately 1,600 buildings have reportedly sustained some degree of damage, while dozens of structures have completely collapsed. Schools, health facilities and community buildings were also affected.
Rescue teams, firefighters, police officers, military personnel and volunteers have been deployed to the hardest-hit areas. Search operations have been particularly difficult in remote communities where damaged roads and communications problems have complicated access.
Authorities have warned that the casualty figures remain preliminary and could increase as rescue teams reach isolated communities and continue searching through collapsed structures.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency, allowing the government to accelerate the deployment of resources and coordinate humanitarian assistance for affected communities.
The earthquake represents one of Colombia’s most serious natural disasters in recent years and has triggered offers of international assistance as the country begins assessing the full extent of the destruction
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