By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
More than 100 people were killed and dozens injured after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing buildings and causing widespread destruction across several cities and rural areas.
At least 111 people have died and 87 others were injured in the earthquake, which struck on Monday at 6.04 pm, according to the latest reports. The tremor was felt across a large part of Colombia and in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.
The epicentre was located near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, about 250 miles west of the capital Bogota, USGS said. The Colombian Geological Service described it as the strongest earthquake to hit the country this century.
The quake caused extensive damage in Cali, Pereira, Quibdo and Manizales, with buildings collapsing and homes, hospitals and other infrastructure damaged. Cali alone reported 27 deaths, while the remote Choco region recorded at least 12 deaths and 84 injuries. The full extent of the destruction in remote areas remained unclear because damaged communications and difficult terrain hampered rescue and assessment operations.
Rescue teams worked through the night, searching collapsed structures for survivors. Residents also joined emergency workers in clearing rubble and forming human chains to move debris. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue and authorities gain access to badly affected areas.
Several airports in the region were temporarily closed for structural inspections following the earthquake. Emergency services were stretched as hospitals dealt with casualties and residents gathered outside buildings fearing further tremors.
Colombia’s newly sworn-in President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency and directed authorities to concentrate on rescue and relief operations. The government said efforts were focused on reaching people trapped under rubble and providing assistance to affected communities.
The earthquake has brought back memories of Colombia’s devastating 1999 earthquake, which killed more than 1,000 people in the country’s coffee-growing region.
International assistance has also begun to arrive, with several countries offering support for relief and recovery operations. The United States announced financial assistance, while countries including Mexico, Chile and El Salvador offered help.
With aftershocks continuing and rescue teams still searching damaged buildings, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and follow official instructions. The scale of damage and casualties is expected to become clearer in the coming hours as emergency teams reach more remote communities.