Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 132

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has devastated parts of Colombia, leaving at least 132 people dead and over 480 injured, according to reports on Tuesday. The Colombian Geological Survey reported the quake occurred 103 kilometers underground in the Chocó province, with its epicenter near the village of San José del Palmar. Miraculously, no one was reported injured or killed in the village itself, despite significant road damage.

However, the city of Pereira, located about 55 kilometers away, experienced some of the most severe destruction and has become a focal point for the rising death toll. Many casualties are feared to be trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. The earthquake, one of the strongest to hit the country in years, was felt across a wide area, including neighboring countries.

The Colombian government has declared a national state of emergency following the disaster. The full extent of the damage and the final casualty count are still being assessed, with fears that the number of fatalities will continue to climb.