A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, causing widespread building collapses, infrastructure damage, and at least 132 deaths as rescue efforts continue.
Key points
- The earthquake struck at 07:34 local time with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department.
- Pereira emerged as the hardest-hit city with 60 fatalities and extensive power outages.
- President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of disaster and national emergency following the disaster.
- International aid includes $15.5 million from the United States and satellite mapping assistance from the European Union.
Why it matters
The disaster has severely impacted regional infrastructure, prompting international emergency mobilization and testing the newly inaugurated administration's crisis response capabilities.
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