Colombia Declares Emergency After 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 111

The powerful earthquake damaged a historic cathedral and forced airports to close as the UAE and other countries offered support.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, damaging buildings across several municipalities and forcing authorities to close multiple airports as rescue and recovery operations continued.

The earthquake struck at 7:34 am local time, with its epicentre in the Chocó region. Colombia’s Geological Service described it as the strongest earthquake recorded in the country in more than a decade.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency to speed up funding and recovery efforts and said he would travel to the affected region.

Widespread damage across western Colombia

The earthquake was centred near San José del Palmar, about 400 kilometres west of Bogotá, at a depth of approximately 107 kilometres.

More than 20 municipalities were affected, with significant damage reported in Pereira, Quibdó, Cali and Manizales. Rescue teams and residents searched damaged buildings for people who may have been trapped beneath the rubble.

In Manizales, part of a historic neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed. Authorities in Cali also reported several collapsed buildings, while videos from Quibdó showed extensive damage in parts of the city.

At least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali, according to Mayor Alejandro Eder. Authorities were assessing the extent of the damage as emergency crews continued rescue operations.

The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama, although reports indicated limited damage in those countries.

Search continues for missing people.

The scale of the disaster remained difficult to determine, particularly in remote areas where damaged roads and infrastructure have complicated access.

Luis Gregorio Moreno, a community leader in Quibdó, said the city had recorded deaths and injuries while many people remained unaccounted for.

Authorities have continued to assess damaged structures and search for survivors as emergency teams reach affected communities.

UAE and other countries offer support

The UAE expressed solidarity with Colombia and offered condolences to the families of those who died. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs also wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Several other countries have offered assistance as Colombia responds to the disaster.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said his country was prepared to send rescue teams, medical personnel, supplies and other support. Ecuador offered 47 rescuers, specialised search dogs and equipment, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also pledged assistance.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was monitoring the situation and was prepared to help Colombia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union had already mobilised its Copernicus satellite service to support rescue operations and was ready to provide additional assistance.

Airports disrupted by earthquake

Several airports in western Colombia were closed to regular passenger operations while authorities inspected facilities and assessed damage.

Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura airports were being used only for medical and government flights during the initial assessment.

Flights at Guillermo León Valencia Airport in Popayán were also restricted because of emissions from the Puracé volcano.

Passengers affected by the disruptions were advised to check directly with their airlines for updated flight information.

Aftershocks recorded

The Colombian Geological Service reported aftershocks measuring 2.8 and 4.8 in magnitude following the main earthquake.

The affected region lies within the broader Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active areas.

Authorities warned that the final death toll and extent of property damage could change as emergency teams reach more remote communities and complete their assessments.

Residents describe scenes of panic.

Residents in Manizales described widespread fear immediately after the earthquake struck.

Angelica Avila, who was staying at a hotel in the city, told the BBC World Service that she was walking through central Manizales when cracks appeared in the walls of the building where she had been staying.

She said people rushed into the streets as dust and debris fell from damaged buildings. Many residents remained outside because they were concerned about returning to damaged structures.

AFP reporters also saw crowds leaving buildings in their pyjamas and gathering in the streets shortly after the earthquake.

Valeria Polo, a 29-year-old content creator in Bogotá, described the tremor as extremely powerful, although the capital reported considerably less damage than some of the western cities.

Shakira sends message to Colombians

Colombian singer Shakira also expressed support for people affected by the earthquake.

She said her thoughts were with those who experienced the disaster and sent strength and love to Colombians, while urging people to remain together and follow instructions from authorities.

What we know

Death toll: At least 111 people have died, according to Colombia’s president.
Magnitude: 7.4.
Location: Western Colombia, with the epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region.
Depth: Approximately 107 kilometres.
Damage: More than 20 municipalities have been affected, with buildings damaged or destroyed.
Airports: Several airports have suspended normal passenger operations.
Aftershocks: Tremors measuring 2.8 and 4.8 have been recorded.
Severity: Colombia’s Geological Service described it as the country’s strongest earthquake in more than a decade.
Response: Rescue teams and authorities are continuing search, recovery and damage-assessment operations, particularly in remote communities.

The immediate priority remains locating missing people, treating the injured and restoring access to affected communities. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as rescue teams complete their assessments.

Source: Gulf News