International Desk:

At least 111 people have been killed and another 87 injured after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia. Rescue operations are underway across several areas as authorities fear that many people remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Colombia’s geological agency said the earthquake was the strongest to hit the country this century. The quake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread damage in several cities, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales. Tremors were also felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake was centered in the San José del Palmar area of Chocó, about 400 kilometers west of the capital Bogotá. The quake occurred at a depth of around 107 kilometers. At least 21 aftershocks were recorded within several hours.

Rescue Operations Underway

In Cali, the country’s third-largest city, rescue workers and local residents are searching through collapsed buildings for survivors. Local officials said at least 20 buildings had collapsed and around 380 others were damaged. Many people are feared trapped beneath the rubble.

Jorge Moncayo, a 64-year-old taxi driver, told the Associated Press that he saw clouds of dust rising from different parts of the city as buildings collapsed.

Local resident Juan Carlos Osorio compared the sound of one building collapsing in Cali to a bomb explosion. He said neighbors were working together to clear the rubble, but heavy machinery was needed to reach those trapped underneath.

National State of Emergency Declared

Following the earthquake, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency. The disaster has emerged as a major challenge for the new government, which took office only a few days ago.

In an address to the nation, the president said the government was deploying all available resources to save lives, assist affected people and deliver relief to areas in need.

He said rescuing people trapped beneath collapsed buildings was the government’s top priority.

According to preliminary government figures, at least 40 people were killed in the Risaralda region. Pereira, the capital of the coffee-producing region, suffered extensive damage, with rescue operations continuing at collapsed buildings.

At least 27 people were killed in Valle del Cauca. Three children were among those killed in Cali, the regional capital.

In Chocó, near the earthquake’s epicenter, communication disruptions have delayed a complete assessment of the damage. Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba said 12 people had been killed and 84 injured in the region. Many people remain missing.

Hundreds Reported Missing

Within hours of the earthquake, local residents began registering information about missing relatives in various digital databases. More than 1,400 names had been added to one database by Monday afternoon, most of them residents of Cali and Pereira.

Local media published videos showing parts of the roof of Pereira airport collapsing. Frightened passengers were seen moving to safer areas. At least 15 buildings collapsed in the city, and people may still be trapped inside, according to Mayor Mauricio Salazar.

In neighboring Manizales, a tower beside a historic neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed, scattering debris across nearby roads.

Several airports in western Colombia, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura, were temporarily closed to allow authorities to inspect damaged infrastructure.

Strongest Earthquake of the Century

Colombia lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making smaller earthquakes relatively common. However, earthquakes stronger than magnitude 6 are comparatively rare.

More than 1,100 people were killed in a magnitude-6.2 earthquake near the city of Armenia in 1999.

Colombia’s geological agency said Monday’s magnitude-7.4 earthquake was the strongest earthquake recorded in the country during the 21st century.

Seismologist Susan van der Lee of Northwestern University told Reuters that the earthquake’s strength, its location within the landmass and the movement of the Earth’s crust could amplify its impact in densely populated valleys.

Countries Offer Assistance

Several countries, including the United States, have offered assistance to those affected by the earthquake. On Monday night, the US State Department announced $15.5 million in assistance for emergency shelter, food and post-earthquake relief efforts.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that the United States was closely monitoring the situation in Colombia and was prepared to support the Colombian people.

El Salvador and Mexico have also offered assistance. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said his country was prepared to send rescue teams, doctors, paramedics, equipment and other support.

Chile’s President José Antonio Kast also assured Colombia of assistance in dealing with the earthquake’s aftermath. Israel, Ecuador and France have likewise offered support to Colombia.