Colombia Declares Emergency After 7.4-Magnitude Quake

Colombia has declared a state of emergency after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the western part of the country on Monday at approximately 7:34 am local time. The epicenter was located in the coastal Chocó region at a depth of about 100 kilometers.

The earthquake has resulted in at least 132 fatalities and over 570 injuries, with initial assessments reporting at least 87 injured and several individuals trapped or missing. President Abelardo de la Espriella stated that the government is deploying all available resources to protect lives, assist affected communities, and provide emergency relief.

Cities such as Pereira and Cali were among the worst affected, with at least 20 buildings collapsing in Cali. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring countries, including Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela, prompting evacuations in Bogotá.

Several airports in western Colombia suspended operations, and football matches were postponed as authorities assessed the damage. The United States and the European Union have offered assistance, with the EU activating its Copernicus satellite service to support rescue operations.