The Colombian government declared a national disaster.
BOGOTÁ — A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, killing at least 71 people, collapsing buildings and damaging airports and other infrastructure across the central and western parts of the country.
The Colombian government declared a national disaster, warning that the death toll could rise as emergency crews continue searching damaged areas.
According to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, Risaralda reported the highest number of fatalities, with 40 deaths, followed by Valle del Cauca with 27 and Chocó, where the earthquake was centered, with four.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just three days ago, convened an emergency committee and announced plans to travel to Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities.
“I have ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the response to the damage and assist those affected,” the president said on X, adding that the government was actively responding to the emergency.
Earthquake Felt Across Colombia
The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in Chocó, on Colombia’s Pacific side, at a depth of approximately 82 kilometers, according to the Colombian Geological Service.
Strong shaking was reported in Bogotá, Cali, Popayán, Manizales, Armenia, Pereira and Medellín, among other cities.
The country’s coffee-growing region was among the areas hardest hit.
In Pereira, multiple buildings collapsed and rescue teams were searching through debris for people who may be trapped.
Valle del Cauca Gov. Dilian Francisca Toro reported approximately 27 deaths in the department, while Chocó Gov. Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi said at least four people had died and 69 others were injured.
Airports Suspend Operations
At least seven Colombian airports sustained damage, according to the country’s civil aviation authority.
Operations were suspended at airports serving Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventurawhile authorities conducted structural assessments. Cali’s Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport was later added to the list of affected facilities.
The disruption could complicate emergency response and transportation across some of the regions most affected by the earthquake.
Tremors Reach Panama and Ecuador
The earthquake was also felt beyond Colombia’s borders.
In Panama, the shaking prompted evacuations at buildings and hospitals in Panama City and other areas. Authorities said tremors lasted between approximately 40 seconds and one minute in some locations.
Strong shaking was also reported across several provinces in Ecuador, including Pichincha, where the capital Quito is located. Residents in parts of the Andean province of Imbabura reportedly left their homes as a precaution.
International Assistance Offered
Several countries offered assistance to Colombia following the disaster.
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said his country was prepared to deploy rescue teams, doctors, paramedics and emergency supplies.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also offered her government’s support, while Venezuela offered to send rescuers and humanitarian assistance.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was also ready to support the Colombian people as rescue and recovery operations continue.
With search operations still underway in heavily damaged communities, Colombian authorities cautioned that the full scale of the disaster — including the number of casualties and extent of infrastructure damage — has yet to be determined.
