Colombia quake kills 224, leaves 700 injured

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake has devastated western Colombia, claiming the lives of at least 224 people and leaving approximately 700 injured. The seismic event struck at 7:34 am local time on Monday, with the cities of Cali and Pereira, along with parts of the Choco region, bearing the brunt of the destruction.

Authorities have cautioned that the death toll is likely to rise as rescue teams reach more isolated communities and assess the full extent of the damage. Initial reports indicate significant casualties, with Cali authorities confirming 35 deaths and officials in the Risaralda region, where Pereira is located, reporting at least 40 fatalities. Nine deaths were also reported in Choco, with additional casualties in Caldas and Antioquia.

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At least 700 people were injured in Valle del Cauca alone.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency, prioritizing rescue efforts for those trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Over 1,600 structures have reportedly been damaged or destroyed, including sections of a historic cathedral in Manizales and several floors of a hospital in Cali. Rescue operations continued through the night and into Tuesday, with soldiers, firefighters, volunteers, and desperate relatives forming human chains to clear debris by hand.

The rescue operation faces significant challenges, particularly in the Choco region, where many communities are remote and accessible only by boat or aircraft. Engineers, rescue dogs, and search teams have been deployed to the area. The United States Geological Survey identified San Jose del Palmar as the earthquake's epicenter. The country's Geological Service recorded 21 aftershocks by late Monday and warned of the possibility of further tremors. In response to the disaster, nighttime curfews have been imposed in several cities, and airports have temporarily suspended operations for structural inspections.

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The government’s priority was to rescue people trapped under rubble.