Colombia has declared a state of emergency following a powerful earthquake that struck the western part of the country, leaving more than 100 people dead, hundreds injured and thousands of residents affected.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake occurred at about 7:34 am local time on Monday, with the epicentre located in the coastal Chocó region.
The tremor was recorded at a depth of about 100 kilometres.
The disaster caused widespread damage across several communities, with more than 1,000 buildings reportedly affected.
Rescue workers were deployed to areas where buildings collapsed as authorities searched for people who were trapped or missing.
Initial reports put the number of deaths at 111, while at least 87 people were injured.
However, a later update on Tuesday raised the death toll to 132, with more than 570 people reported injured, showing that the number of casualties could increase as rescue and assessment operations continue.
President Abelardo de la Espriella directed government agencies to use available resources to respond to the disaster.
Emergency teams have been working to rescue victims, provide medical care and deliver assistance to communities that suffered damage.
Pereira and other cities in western Colombia were among the areas badly affected by the earthquake. Cali also recorded major destruction, with at least 20 buildings said to have collapsed.
Quibdó and Manizales were also affected, with reports of damage to buildings and other infrastructure.
The earthquake was felt beyond Colombia, with tremors reaching neighbouring Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.
In Bogotá, the country’s capital, residents were forced to leave some buildings and gather outside as authorities carried out safety checks.
The earthquake also disrupted transportation and other activities across the country.
Several airports in western Colombia temporarily stopped operations while officials examined the condition of facilities and runways.
Football matches scheduled in some parts of the country were also postponed as authorities focused on emergency response efforts and assessed the damage caused by the earthquake.
Rescue operations continued as emergency workers searched damaged buildings for survivors. Authorities also began assessing the needs of communities that lost homes and property in the disaster.
International support has also been offered to Colombia. The United States and European Union said they were ready to assist with the country’s response to the earthquake.
The European Union activated its Copernicus satellite service to provide information that could help emergency teams understand the areas most affected and plan rescue and relief operations.
