Colombia has declared a state of emergency after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the western part of the country, killing at least 111 people, injuring 87 and damaging more than 1,000 buildings.
The earthquake struck at about 7:34am local time on Monday, triggering rescue operations across several cities as authorities searched for people trapped under collapsed buildings.
President Abelardo de la Espriella said the government had deployed emergency resources to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid to areas hit by the disaster.
The earthquake was centred in the coastal Chocó region at a depth of about 100 kilometres. Authorities in the region reported at least 12 deaths.
Pereira, in the Risaralda region, was among the areas badly affected, with local authorities reporting at least 40 deaths. Several buildings were damaged, while residents stayed outside their homes because of fears of aftershocks.
In Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, at least 20 buildings collapsed, trapping people beneath the rubble, according to Mayor Alejandro Eder.
Authorities in Chocó also reported extensive damage in Quibdó, the provincial capital, with officials warning that the number of casualties could rise as rescue teams reach affected areas.
The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela. In Bogotá, residents evacuated buildings and gathered in the streets after feeling the strong tremors.
Several airports in western Colombia temporarily suspended operations, while the country’s football authorities postponed scheduled matches as emergency response efforts continued.
International assistance was also offered following the disaster.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was monitoring the situation and was prepared to support Colombia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also said the European Union was ready to provide additional assistance, noting that the bloc had activated its Copernicus satellite service to support rescue operations.
Rescue and emergency teams continued to assess the extent of the destruction as authorities worked to locate missing people and provide assistance to affected communities.
The government warned that casualty figures could change as search-and-rescue operations continue and more areas become accessible.
