At least 132 people have been killed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency as rescue operations continue in badly affected areas.
More than 480 people were reported injured, while fears remained that others could be trapped beneath collapsed structures.
According to Colombia’s geological service, the earthquake struck at 07:34 local time (12:34 GMT) at a depth of 103 kilometres (64 miles). Its epicentre was near the village of San José del Palmar in Chocó province.
The shaking was felt across a large part of western Colombia.
Pereira Among Hardest-Hit Areas
Some of the worst destruction was reported in Pereira, around 55 kilometres from the earthquake’s epicentre.
Many of the reported deaths were concentrated in the city, located in Colombia’s coffee-growing region. Surrounding cities and the Valle del Cauca region were also badly affected.
Videos verified by the BBC showed at least one building collapsing in Plaza Bolívar, Pereira’s main square. Debris and dust could be seen across the area where people had gathered.
The scale of the destruction has raised fears that the casualty count could increase as emergency teams search damaged buildings.
More Than 480 People Reported Injured
Colombia’s Association of Capital Cities said in an update on Monday that more than 480 people had been injured.
Despite being close to the epicentre, San José del Palmar had reported no deaths or injuries, according to local mayor León Fabio Marín Moncada.
Roads leading into and out of the area were damaged, however, showing how the earthquake disrupted infrastructure even in communities that avoided casualties.
State of Emergency Declared
A state of emergency was declared following the disaster as authorities responded to widespread damage and casualties.
The earthquake occurred relatively deep underground at 103 kilometres, but its magnitude was strong enough for shaking to be felt hundreds of miles across western Colombia.
With rescue operations continuing and people feared trapped under debris, the full scale of the disaster remains unclear.
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Authorities are expected to provide further casualty and damage assessments as emergency crews reach affected communities and search damaged buildings.
