At least 111 killed as magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits Colombia

Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella confirmed on Monday that at least 111 people were killed after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the western regions of the South American country, causing widespread destruction to homes, roads, and critical infrastructure while triggering urgent rescue operations across multiple departments.

Widespread destruction

The tremor occurred at 1234GMT with an epicenter located approximately 5 kilometers east of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco Department, according to data from the US Geological Survey. The quake originated at a depth of 107 kilometers, with an aftershock of magnitude 5.0 striking less than an hour later approximately 16 kilometers west of the same municipality, damaging 1,575 homes — 37 completely destroyed — along with 61 collapsed buildings and 18 roads.

National disaster declared

De La Espriella declared a national disaster situation to strengthen the mobilization and coordination of institutional capacities, ordering the immediate establishment of a unified command post. "The state is present and taking action," the president said following the tremor, confirming that he took direct leadership of the emergency response after the disaster left 87 injured and at least 111 dead across Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, and other departments.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration is "closely monitoring" the earthquake and stands ready to support the people of Colombia. Despite the quake's major strength, the US Tsunami Warning System announced that no tsunami is expected for North American coasts, with Colombian authorities confirming no threat to the Pacific coast as strong shaking extended to neighboring Ecuador and Panama.