Powerful Earthquake Leaves Dozens Dead and Widespread Destruction in Colombia

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, leaving at least 71 people dead, dozens injured and causing extensive structural damage across several regions, according to the Association of Capital Cities of Colombia.

Authorities also reported multiple building collapses, people trapped beneath debris and widespread damage to homes, hospitals and public infrastructure as emergency crews continued search-and-rescue operations.

The earthquake's epicenter was located near San José del Palmar, in Colombia's Chocó Department, one of the country's most affected areas.

In response to the disaster, Colombia's newly inaugurated President Abelardo De La Espriella declared a national disaster, allowing the government to mobilize emergency resources and coordinate rescue efforts nationwide.

Rescue Operations Intensify

Officials described the situation as critical in several departments.

In Valle del Cauca, Governor Dilian Francisca Toro confirmed 27 fatalities, including three children, and said emergency teams were working to rescue victims following structural collapses at the University Hospital of the Valley. Patients and medical staff were evacuated as engineers assessed the building's stability.

Meanwhile, Chocó Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi reported severe damage in the regional capital of Quibdó, where numerous buildings were damaged or destroyed. Initial reports indicated four deaths and at least 69 injuries, though officials warned those numbers could continue to rise as rescue operations progressed.

Elsewhere, Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar confirmed 18 deaths, while Manizales Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojasreported two fatalities in his city.

Buildings Collapse in Cali

In the city of Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20 buildings collapsed, leaving an unknown number of people trapped beneath the rubble.

Emergency responders quickly established command centers and temporary rescue stations throughout the city as search teams worked to locate survivors.

Residents described scenes of panic as the powerful shaking damaged buildings and disrupted daily life.

"There are collapsed buildings, people trapped, and many casualties. The earthquake was extremely strong here," Cali resident Luis Angel Sarrio told NBC News. Although his family escaped unharmed, he said the tragedy had deeply affected the entire community.

Transportation Disrupted

The earthquake also disrupted transportation across western Colombia.

The country's Civil Aviation Authority announced that airports serving Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura temporarily suspended operations while engineers inspected terminals and airport infrastructure for possible structural damage.

Government Coordinates Emergency Response

President De La Espriella said he personally traveled to San José del Palmar to oversee emergency operations and ordered the creation of a Unified Command Center to coordinate rescue efforts, assess damage and provide assistance to affected communities.

The government continues to evaluate the full extent of the disaster as rescue teams search collapsed buildings and emergency officials compile updated casualty figures.

International Support

The devastating earthquake comes only weeks after two powerful earthquakes struck neighboring Venezuela, causing widespread destruction across the region.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is closely monitoring the situation and expressed the Trump administration's willingness to assist Colombia if requested.

Authorities cautioned that casualty numbers could continue to rise as rescue crews reach additional affected areas and continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.