Western Colombia has been hit by a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake, leaving at least 132 people dead and about 570 injured as emergency teams race to rescue survivors from damaged and collapsed buildings.
The earthquake, considered the strongest to strike Colombia this century, caused extensive destruction across several cities. Homes, schools and healthcare facilities were among the structures affected, while rescue workers and local residents continued searching through the debris for people believed to be trapped underneath.
Authorities have warned that additional seismic activity remains possible. The Colombian Geological Service has reported 21 aftershocks following the main earthquake, raising concerns about further damage in already affected areas.
The scale of the destruction has prompted the government to declare an emergency, allowing authorities to speed up the allocation of funds and resources for rescue, relief and recovery operations.
President Abelardo De La Espriella, who had taken office only days before the earthquake, said the disaster had damaged approximately 1,575 homes, 18 health centres and 52 schools. At least 61 buildings were reported to have completely collapsed.
Rescue operations are continuing in several affected locations, with authorities assessing the extent of the damage and providing medical assistance to those injured. Officials have cautioned that the number of casualties could rise as search teams reach more collapsed structures.
The earthquake has become the first major crisis faced by the new administration, placing significant pressure on the government to coordinate emergency response and support thousands of affected residents.
Authorities are urging people in affected areas to remain cautious as rescue and assessment operations continue and the possibility of further tremors remains.
