BOGOTA — Western Colombia was struck by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake Monday, killing at least 111 people and collapsing dozens of buildings. The tremor also shook neighboring Ecuador and prompted immediate evacuations of homes and other structures across the affected region.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Colombia's national geological service both reported the magnitude at 7.4. The quake was relatively deep, a factor that can sometimes reduce surface shaking, but still caused widespread damage.
Residents in Cali and Manizales felt the ground move sharply. Many rushed into the streets, fearing further structural failures. Patients were evacuated from hospitals in Cali as a precaution.
Rescue workers began searching through rubble of collapsed buildings immediately after the quake. Images from Cali showed residents sifting through debris, attempting to locate survivors.
President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed the death toll at 111 and said at least 87 people had been injured. His office said 61 buildings collapsed and 1,575 homes suffered damage across the affected areas. Manizales Cathedral also sustained damage.
Emergency services are coordinating efforts to reach remote areas and assess the full scope of the disaster. The government declared an emergency to streamline aid and recovery operations.
Colombia lies in a seismically active zone. The Andes mountain range, which runs through the country's west, is subject to frequent major earthquakes due to tectonic plate movements.
International aid organizations are monitoring the situation and preparing to offer support if requested by Colombian authorities. Recovery efforts face the challenge of clearing debris, restoring essential services and providing shelter for thousands whose homes are uninhabitable.
