A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens more.
The earthquake hit on Tuesday, with the epicentre near San José del Palmar, a small community in the Chocó region about 400 kilometres west of Colombia’s capital, Bogotá.
The earthquake caused widespread damage across western Colombia. Around 1600 buildings were damaged, with at least 61 completely collapsing. Rescue teams and members of the public have been searching through piles of concrete and rubble for people who may still be trapped.
In the city of Cali, volunteers formed long lines to move pieces of broken buildings as rescuers searched for survivors. Authorities said people were trapped inside at least 19 collapsed buildings in the city. The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama, although little damage was reported in those countries.
Colombia’s Geological Service said the earthquake was the strongest recorded in the country during the 21st century. It was followed by 21 smaller earthquakes, known as aftershocks. Several airports, including those in Manizales, Quibdó, Pereira and Buenaventura, were temporarily closed while officials checked for damage. The earthquake also caused serious damage in other cities. In Manizales, part of a historic neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed. In Pereira, sections of an airport ceiling fell while frightened passengers took shelter.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency so the government could provide funding and organise the response more quickly.
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