A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people and severely damaging buildings in major cities including Cali and Pereira.
Live updates
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Key facts
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck at 7.34am local time on Monday.
- The epicentre was in the western department of Chocó.
- At least 111 people have been killed, with some still trapped under rubble.
- Buildings collapsed and were severely damaged in Cali and Pereira.
- The quake was felt in the capital, Bogota, and as far away as Venezuela.
At least 111 people have been killed after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, collapsing and severely damaging scores of buildings in major cities including Cali and Pereira, officials said.
The US and Colombian geological surveys reported that the 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck at 7.34am local time (13.34 BST) on Monday, with its epicentre in the western department of Chocó, according to the Guardian.
Officials say some people remain trapped under rubble, according to Al Jazeera, raising concerns that the death toll could climb further as rescue efforts continue.
Early reporting reflected a rapidly rising toll. The Guardian initially reported more than 80 deaths before updating to more than 100, while Al Jazeera and CNBC reported at least 111 people killed.
The tremor was felt in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, as well as as far away as Venezuela, CNBC reported. Venezuela is still reeling from a deadly double earthquake on 24 June, according to the Guardian.
The affected cities of Cali and Pereira are among Colombia’s major urban centres, and the collapse of buildings there points to significant damage in densely populated areas.
Why it matters
A high-magnitude earthquake striking populated cities has already claimed more than 100 lives, and with people still trapped the human cost may grow. The disaster also strikes a region where neighbouring Venezuela is still recovering from its own recent quakes, compounding pressure on emergency and humanitarian resources.
Frequently asked questions
How strong was the Colombia earthquake and where did it hit?
The earthquake was magnitude 7.4 and struck at 7.34am local time on Monday, with its epicentre in the western department of Chocó, according to the US and Colombian geological surveys.
How many people have died?
Officials say at least 111 people have been killed, with some still trapped under rubble. Earlier reports cited tolls of more than 80 and more than 100 as the numbers rose.
Where was the earthquake felt?
The quake collapsed and damaged buildings in cities including Cali and Pereira, and was felt in the capital, Bogota, and as far away as Venezuela.
Timeline
- At least 111 killed after powerful earthquake hits western Colombia
CNBC Top News: The tremor was felt in Colombia's capital, Bogota, and as far away as Venezuela.
- Dozens dead after powerful earthquake strikes western Colombia
The Guardian World: Quake of 7.4 magnitude collapses and severely damages buildings in several major cities, including Cali and Pereira Colombia earthquake live – latest updates More than 80 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing and severely damaging scores
- Scores dead after powerful earthquake strikes western Colombia
The Guardian World: Quake of 7.4 magnitude collapses and severely damages buildings in several major cities, including Cali and Pereira Colombia earthquake live – latest updates More than 100 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing and severely damaging score
- Scores dead in Colombia after powerful earthquake strikes west of country
The Guardian World: Quake of 7.4 magnitude collapses and severely damages buildings in several major cities, including Cali and Pereira Colombia earthquake live – latest updates More than 100 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing and severely damaging score
- Colombia earthquake live: Magnitude 7.4 quake strikes near Bogota; 111 dead
Al Jazeera: Officials say at least 111 people have been killed in the quake, with some still trapped under rubble.