Colombia Declares National Disaster After Powerful Earthquake Kills at Least 111

Colombia has declared a national disaster after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western parts of the country, killing at least 111 people and causing widespread damage.

The earthquake brought down buildings and damaged more than 1,500 homes, according to authorities. Some of the worst destruction was reported in Pereira and Cali, where buildings collapsed and emergency crews began searching through the rubble for people who may still be trapped.

Rescue teams, firefighters and other emergency workers have been deployed to affected areas as authorities continue efforts to locate survivors and assess the full scale of the destruction.

The earthquake was felt across a wide area, sending strong tremors into neighbouring countries including Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama. Residents in several locations reported buildings shaking and people rushing outdoors as the ground moved.

In the hardest-hit communities, emergency services have been working to clear debris, provide medical assistance and secure damaged structures. Officials have warned that the number of casualties could change as rescue teams reach areas that remain difficult to access.

The declaration of a national disaster is expected to allow the government to mobilise additional resources and coordinate relief operations more rapidly across the affected regions.

Hospitals and emergency facilities have been placed on alert as authorities prepare to treat people injured in the earthquake. Local officials are also assessing damage to roads, buildings and other infrastructure that could complicate rescue and relief efforts.

The immediate priority remains finding anyone trapped beneath collapsed structures and providing assistance to people who have lost their homes.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, particularly around damaged buildings, as aftershocks can occur following a major earthquake and may cause further collapses.

Search and rescue operations are continuing, while government agencies assess the damage and organise emergency support for affected communities. Officials are expected to provide further updates on the death toll, injuries and extent of the destruction as the recovery effort progresses.