Death Toll Rises to 111 After Powerful Earthquake in Colombia

The death toll from a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia has risen to 111. Another 87 people were injured. Colombia’s Geological Survey said it was the strongest earthquake recorded in the country in the past decade.

Several buildings collapsed in different cities, leaving people trapped under the rubble. Residents in Bogota and other areas rushed out of their homes in panic after the strong tremors.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency to speed up the allocation of funds for relief and recovery efforts. He assured affected residents that the government would stand by them.

According to the US Geological Survey and Colombia’s Geological Survey, the earthquake originated near the municipality of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, about 400 kilometers west of Bogota. The epicenter was around 107 kilometers underground.

Two aftershocks measuring 2.8 and 4.8 were also recorded. Several airports suspended flights, while a number of football matches were postponed. Rescue operations are continuing, and authorities fear the death toll could rise further.