Massive 7.4-magnitude earthquake hits Colombia, killing at least 111; buildings collapse

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, injuring dozens and leaving buildings damaged or reduced to rubble, authorities said.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said at least 87 people were injured and around 1,600 buildings were damaged, including 61 that completely collapsed following the powerful tremors.

The earthquake, the strongest recorded in Colombia in the 21st century, was followed by several aftershocks, according to the country’s Geological Service.

The disaster came weeks after twin earthquakes struck neighbouring Venezuela, where search and rescue operations remain underway.

Buildings collapse, residents flee

Jorge Moncayo, a 64-year-old taxi driver in Cali, told The Associated Press that he saw clouds of dust rise across the city as buildings collapsed.

“My entire house shook. I’ve never lived through such a powerful earthquake,” he said.

Videos emerging from across Colombia showed widespread destruction. In Manizales, footage showed one of the side towers of the city’s landmark neo-Gothic cathedral collapsing and sending debris onto nearby streets.

Other footage showed people becoming trapped under a staircase during an evacuation after part of a structure collapsed.

A four-storey building also collapsed in Pereira, according to images and videos verified by Reuters.

The intense shaking sent residents rushing out of buildings. Wilmer Cuesta, a law student in Quibdo, told AFP that people fled in panic, with some jumping from second-floor homes.

Hospitals in five Colombian cities were placed on red alert, while authorities imposed a nighttime curfew in Cali. At least six local airports also suspended operations, Colombia’s civil aviation authority said.

Regional support

The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency assistance for shelter, food and other earthquake relief efforts.

Several Latin American governments also offered support. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said his country was ready to send rescue teams, medical personnel, paramedics and supplies.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum also offered assistance, while Chilean President José Antonio Kast pledged help, saying Chile understood the devastation and challenges caused by major earthquakes.