Colombia Earthquake Kills 111 as Rescue Effort Expands

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake in western Colombia has killed at least 111 people, setting off a large rescue operation across communities where homes and public buildings were damaged or destroyed.

The earthquake struck on Monday morning with its epicenter near San Jose del Palmar in the department of Choco. The Colombian Geological Service reported a depth of about 96 kilometers. Shaking was felt across a broad part of the country and in neighboring Ecuador and Panama, sending residents out of buildings in major cities while emergency teams began assessing the hardest-hit areas.

The death toll rose rapidly as communications improved and local authorities sent reports from affected municipalities. President Abelardo de la Espriella said at least 87 people had been injured and declared an emergency to speed the release of funding and other resources. Officials warned that the figures could change as searches continue.

Rescue operations spread across western Colombia

San Jose del Palmar is a relatively small community in mountainous terrain, but significant damage was also reported in more populated areas. Pereira and Cali were among the cities where collapsed structures and damaged buildings complicated the response. Airports in several western cities suspended operations while engineers inspected facilities and transport links.

Rescue workers are searching damaged buildings, clearing access routes and trying to reach residents in places where roads or communications were disrupted. The first hours after a major earthquake are especially important for locating people trapped under debris, but unstable structures and aftershocks can make that work dangerous.

The national emergency declaration gives authorities greater flexibility to coordinate agencies, move equipment and direct money toward shelter, medical care and recovery. Local hospitals are treating injured residents while officials assess whether patients need to be transferred to facilities outside the most affected districts.

What is confirmed about the Colombia earthquake

Both Colombia's geological agency and the United States Geological Survey measured the main earthquake at magnitude 7.4. Its depth helped the shaking travel across a wide area, although the intensity experienced at ground level varied by location, soil conditions and the strength of individual buildings.

Government figures cited in current reporting put the death toll at no fewer than 111. The number is a developing count rather than a final assessment. Early reports issued immediately after the earthquake contained much lower totals because many communities had not yet completed searches or communicated their losses.

That rapid change is why casualty figures should be tied to a time and an identified authority. Social-media posts and search snippets can remain visible after official information has moved on, creating a risk that readers encounter a number that is already obsolete.

Why the damage was spread across several regions

Western Colombia lies in a seismically active part of South America, where the movement of tectonic plates produces frequent earthquakes. A high magnitude does not by itself determine the scale of a disaster. Population density, construction standards, landslide exposure, depth and distance from the epicenter all influence the outcome.

Mountain roads are a particular concern after strong shaking because rockfalls and slope failures can isolate communities. Emergency managers will also be watching water, electricity and mobile networks, which are essential for hospitals, shelters and family reunification.

Residents in affected areas have been advised to follow instructions from Colombian authorities, stay away from visibly damaged structures and be prepared for aftershocks. People should not enter a compromised building until it has been assessed, even when the exterior appears intact.

The next phase of the emergency

The immediate priority remains the search for survivors and treatment of the injured. Once the rescue phase advances, authorities will face a wider task: documenting losses, providing temporary housing, restoring transport and utilities, and determining which structures can be repaired safely.

International assistance may become part of the response if Colombia requests specialized teams or supplies. Any offers will need to be coordinated through national authorities so that equipment and personnel reach the places where they are most useful.

The Colombia earthquake is still a developing emergency. Verified totals, transport closures and public-safety instructions may change as field teams complete inspections. This report is based on current reporting from the Associated Press and seismic information from the Colombian Geological Service; Novexa News will update the article when authorities release material new facts.