Colombia earthquake: Pereira mayor declares curfew, emotional over victims

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has devastated parts of Colombia, claiming at least 111 lives and causing extensive damage across several regions. The city of Pereira, capital of the Risaralda department, is among the hardest hit. Mayor Mauricio Salazar, visibly emotional, declared a curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. in the city center, Comuna Universidad, and subcenter Cuba to protect businesses from potential looting.

Salazar's voice broke as he reported that Pereira alone had suffered approximately 55 fatalities. He also noted that some hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of patients, with 18 buildings completely collapsed and 60 others partially damaged. Pereira is home to nearly 490,000 residents.

The earthquake's epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, at a depth of 103 kilometers, according to the Colombian Geological Service. The tremors were strongly felt in Valle del Cauca, Caldas, and Quindío, in addition to Risaralda.