A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and injuring 87 as rescue teams searched damaged buildings for survivors.
BOGOTA: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people and injuring 87 others as emergency teams raced to search collapsed buildings and rescue people feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The earthquake struck at about 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region. The powerful tremor was felt across a wide part of the country and caused significant damage in several cities, including Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales.
More than 1,600 buildings were reported damaged, while at least 61 structures completely collapsed, according to reports. Rescue workers have been using heavy machinery as well as manual searches to reach people who may be trapped under concrete, bricks and other debris.
The scale of destruction has been particularly difficult to assess in remote areas of Chocó, where damaged communications and difficult access have complicated emergency operations. Hospitals and emergency services are also dealing with injured residents as authorities continue assessing the disaster.
Colombian authorities have mobilised emergency resources and declared a national emergency to accelerate relief and recovery efforts. Officials have warned residents to remain cautious because aftershocks can pose additional risks, particularly around damaged or unstable structures.
The earthquake has left families waiting for information about missing relatives while rescue crews continue searching affected communities. International assistance has also been offered as Colombia begins responding to what reports describe as the strongest earthquake to strike the country this century.
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