A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and leaving rescue teams searching through collapsed buildings for survivors. The disaster has caused widespread destruction across several cities and triggered a major emergency response.
The earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, with strong tremors felt across western Colombia and as far away as Bogotá, Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela. Authorities described it as the strongest earthquake recorded in Colombia this century.
Rescue crews, firefighters and volunteers have been working around the clock to locate people trapped beneath rubble. Emergency workers have used heavy machinery as well as manual digging methods in areas where buildings collapsed and access remains difficult.
Major damage has been reported in cities including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales, with hundreds of injuries and widespread structural destruction. More than 1,600 buildings have reportedly been damaged, while dozens have completely collapsed. Hospitals and transport facilities have also been affected, creating additional challenges for emergency services.
Colombia’s government declared a national emergency as authorities mobilised resources for rescue operations, medical support and assistance for displaced residents. The earthquake has become one of the first major crises facing the country’s newly installed administration.
International support has begun arriving, with several countries offering assistance and humanitarian aid. The United States announced emergency support, while regional governments expressed solidarity with Colombia and offered rescue resources.
Officials warned that aftershocks could continue, urging residents in damaged areas to remain cautious and avoid unstable buildings. Search operations are expected to continue as authorities assess the full scale of the destruction.
The earthquake has highlighted Colombia’s vulnerability to major seismic events due to its location near the active Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity frequently produces powerful earthquakes.
