Colombia Earthquake Kills Over 100, Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Aftershocks

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday morning, causing at least 111 deaths with the toll expected to rise as many remain trapped under collapsed buildings. The quake's epicenter was near San José del Palmar, about 400 kilometers west of Bogotá, at a depth of 96 kilometers. Major damage and casualties were reported in the departments of Risaralda, Cauca, and Valle del Cauca, including the cities of Pereira and Cali, where at least 20 buildings collapsed.

Rescue teams and volunteers have been digging through rubble, often by hand, to find survivors amid ongoing fears of aftershocks, two of which were recorded with magnitudes of 4.8 and 2.8. At least 87 people were injured, and several patients remain trapped in the ruins of the University Hospital in Cali, where firefighters and soldiers are working to free them. Authorities declared a national emergency and reported significant damage to infrastructure, including airports in Pereira, Manizales, and Buenaventura, which have suspended operations.

Eyewitnesses described the quake as the strongest they had ever felt, with buildings shaking violently and people fleeing into the streets. The neo-Gothic cathedral in Manizales suffered severe damage, including the collapse of its tower. Communications and basic services were disrupted in some affected areas, with residents reporting loss of electricity, water, and internet.

International responses included offers of assistance from Israel, the United States, and Mexico. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar expressed concern and readiness to help, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also pledged support. Colombian pop star Shakira sent condolences and solidarity to her homeland. The earthquake comes less than two months after deadly quakes hit neighboring Venezuela, highlighting the seismic risks in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" region where Colombia is located.

The last major earthquake in Colombia of similar magnitude occurred in 1999 near Armenia, killing over 1,100 people. The deadliest quake in Colombian history was in 1868, with 70,000 fatalities. Authorities continue search and rescue operations amid fears of further aftershocks and ongoing damage assessment.