Colombia is facing a major humanitarian emergency after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck the western part of the country, killing at least 132 people and injuring more than 570, according to the latest government update.
The earthquake struck at approximately 7:34 a.m. on Monday, according to the Colombian Geological Service, with its epicentre located near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó at a depth of about 96 kilometres.
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The heaviest casualties have been reported in Risaralda, part of Colombia’s coffee-growing region. Pereira, the departmental capital, suffered extensive damage, with rescue teams continuing to search collapsed buildings for people trapped beneath the rubble.
Emergency workers have rescued survivors from damaged structures as search and rescue operations continue. Teams from emergency services, firefighters and other response agencies are working through damaged buildings to locate and assist people who may still be trapped.
Colombian authorities have mobilized national emergency resources across affected areas. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency, making the protection of lives and the rescue of people trapped under rubble the government’s immediate priorities.
The government also declared a state of national disaster to coordinate emergency assistance, rescue operations and support for communities affected by the earthquake.
The earthquake’s powerful magnitude and inland location contributed to significant shaking despite its relatively deep epicentre. Seismologists said the earthquake’s strike-slip movement may also have amplified its impact in populated valleys.
Colombia is located along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes, although most are relatively minor.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are assessing damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure while providing emergency assistance to affected communities. The casualty figures may change as rescue teams gain access to damaged areas and continue searching for survivors.
The disaster has triggered a nationwide emergency response, with authorities focused on saving lives, treating the injured, supporting displaced residents and assessing the full scale of the damage.