BOGOTÁ — At least 111 people have died and 87 others have been injured after a magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, according to the latest government figures. Rescue teams are continuing to search damaged buildings amid concerns that more people remain trapped beneath the debris.
The earthquake originated approximately 107 kilometres below the surface near San José del Palmar in Chocó province. Despite the depth of the epicentre, strong shaking damaged hundreds of buildings across several western cities and affected more than 20 municipalities.
President Abelardo De La Espriella declared a national emergency and ordered government resources to be directed toward rescue and relief operations. Flights were temporarily suspended at airports serving Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura while structural inspections were conducted.
Why it matters: Emergency workers are still trying to reach remote communities and unstable buildings. The number of casualties may change as search operations continue and aftershocks threaten already weakened structures.
