At least 111 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday, leaving buildings destroyed and people trapped beneath rubble.
The earthquake struck near San Jose del Palmar in the Pacific Coast province of Choco at a depth of about 107 kilometres, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Despite its depth, the quake was felt across major cities in Colombia. Authorities reported at least 87 people injured, while rescue teams continued searching for residents trapped in collapsed structures.
The disaster has presented newly sworn-in President Abelardo De La Espriella with his first major crisis just days after taking office. He declared a national state of emergency and said the government had deployed its resources to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid.
De La Espriella said rescuing people trapped beneath the rubble remained the government’s immediate priority. The earthquake comes just weeks after neighbouring Venezuela was struck by devastating earthquakes in June.