The earthquake hit shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Monday near San José del Palmar in Chocó province. The earthquake was felt across much of the country, including Bogotá, and reached neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.
Pereira, Cali and Manizales were among the areas reporting significant damage. Buildings collapsed, roads were affected, and more than 1,500 homes and other structures were damaged, according to authorities. Several airports also suspended operations following the earthquake.
Emergency teams and residents have been searching damaged buildings for people believed to be trapped. In Cali, rescue workers used basic equipment to clear rubble, while hospitals in several cities were placed on high alert to treat the injured.
Euronews reports that President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster and ordered a coordinated response involving emergency services and security forces. Curfews were also introduced in some affected areas as authorities worked to maintain order and protect residents.
The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency assistance, while the European Union activated its Copernicus satellite system to support rescue and damage assessment operations.
Authorities are continuing to assess the scale of the destruction as rescue teams work across affected communities. The death toll could rise as emergency workers reach more damaged buildings.
