A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing more than 100 people and collapsing buildings across the region [1], [2].
The disaster disrupts critical infrastructure in one of South America's most populous nations and triggers an urgent humanitarian response in several major urban centers.
The epicentre was located near San José del Palmar, approximately 250 miles west of Bogotá [2]. The tremor was felt strongly in Pereira, Cali, Bogotá, and Medellín [2]. Emergency crews are working to locate survivors trapped beneath rubble as building collapses were reported in multiple cities [2].
Reports on the death toll vary as rescue operations continue. Some reports indicate 111 people died [1], while other sources state the toll is over 100 [2]. Earlier reports from the NY Daily News and NY Times listed lower figures, ranging from at least 28 to 47 deaths [4], [5].
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been identified as key figures coordinating the initial response [6]. Local authorities are managing evacuations in the western region to prevent further casualties from potential aftershocks [2].
The magnitude of the quake, measured at 7.4 [1], places it among the more powerful seismic events to hit the region in recent years. Rescue teams are focusing their efforts on the hardest-hit western zones where the structural damage is most severe [2].
“A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing more than 100 people.”
The variance in reported fatalities—ranging from 28 to 111—reflects the chaos typical of the immediate aftermath of a major seismic event before official government tallies are finalized. The involvement of the U.S. Secretary of State suggests a high level of diplomatic and logistical coordination for international aid, which is often necessary when multiple major cities like Cali and Medellín are affected simultaneously.
