BOGOTA: Colombia’s newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency on Monday after a powerful earthquake struck the country’s west.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 111 people and injured 87 others, according to the president. Earlier reports had placed the death toll at 69.
The earthquake struck early Monday, with its epicentre located around 100 kilometres deep in western Colombia. The powerful tremor also shook neighbouring Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.
Officials reported 40 deaths in Risaralda, 27 in Valle del Cauca and two in Manizales. Meanwhile, Pereira alone recorded at least 18 deaths.
Rescue Teams Search for Survivors
Emergency teams rushed to affected areas to rescue victims trapped beneath rubble. Authorities also assessed damage after several buildings collapsed across western Colombia.
The governor of Choco province reported severe destruction in the provincial capital Quibdo. Video footage showed collapsed structures in the city.
Choco lies near the earthquake’s epicentre. Authorities had not immediately established the death toll there.
The tremor also prompted authorities to evacuate buildings in Bogota. However, officials said they had no immediate tsunami concerns.
Meanwhile, the earthquake caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure in several areas.
President De la Espriella said authorities were coordinating emergency operations across affected regions. Rescue workers continued searching damaged structures as officials assessed the scale of the disaster.
The latest earthquake has created a major emergency for Colombia as authorities work to assist injured residents and families of victims.
