7.4-magnitude earthquake rocks Colombia, killing 132 and injuring 570 / National disaster declared

The devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia has killed at least 132 people, while another 570 have been injured.

Search-and-rescue operations are continuing in the hardest-hit areas. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise, as there are fears that people may still be trapped beneath the rubble.

Pereira is among the worst-hit cities, with at least 60 deaths reported so far. Nationwide, 86 buildings have collapsed, while more than 1,500 homes have been damaged.

Pereira, Cali, Quibdo, Manizales and Armenia have been placed on red alert due to the scale of the emergency.

Firefighters, rescue teams and military forces are working at collapsed buildings to find survivors. Damage to communications networks and transport infrastructure in some areas is making it difficult to fully assess the consequences.

The shocks have also affected healthcare institutions. In Cali, damage was reported to the pediatric facilities of a hospital, prompting the activation of emergency services.

The Colombian government has declared a state of national disaster and mobilized military troops in the affected areas. The priority remains rescuing trapped people and distributing aid to affected residents.

16 people trapped in cable cars for six hours

One of the most difficult rescue operations took place in Pereira, where 16 people remained trapped for around six hours in the cabins of an aerial cable car following the strong tremors.

The evacuation of the passengers was successfully completed at around 1:30 p.m. local time. Cable-car service has been suspended pending the completion of safety inspections.

A similar incident was also reported in Manizales. Cable-car passengers were removed from the cabins, while the service was suspended because of structural damage.

Seven airports suspend operations

The earthquake’s effects have also been felt in air transport. Flights have been temporarily suspended at seven airports—those in Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura—for safety inspections.

The suspension of airport operations is making it more difficult to send rescue teams, medical personnel and aid to the worst-hit regions.

Earthquake felt in Bogota, Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela

The tremors were recorded in Colombia on Monday morning. The epicenter of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake was located near San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, around 240 kilometers west of Bogota.

The shaking was felt across a wide area, also affecting Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.

After alarms were activated in Bogota, thousands of residents left buildings and took to the streets. According to authorities, mainly superficial damage has been recorded in the capital, with no reports of widespread destruction.

This is one of the first major challenges faced by Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Esperanza, who had taken office only a few days earlier.

The president said he was personally leading the emergency response and ordered the establishment of a unified operational center to coordinate the work of rescue teams.

He also said that he would travel to the worst-affected regions.

“You are not alone. The state is present and taking action,” the president declared.

Residents have described moments of panic following the quake, while electricity and telephone service have been cut off in many areas.

US announces $15.5 million in aid

The international community has begun mobilizing aid for Colombia. The United States has announced a $15.5 million package that includes temporary shelter, food, protective equipment and assistance in assessing the damage.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration was closely monitoring the situation and was ready to help the Colombian people.

Mexico and Israel have expressed their willingness to contribute aid, while other countries have also conveyed offers of solidarity.

Greece’s Foreign Ministry has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, as well as its solidarity with the injured and the rescue teams.

Colombian teams are continuing their tireless searches beneath the rubble and operations in isolated areas. Authorities have warned that the death toll could change in the coming hours, as operations expand across all affected regions.