Colombia earthquake update: More than 100 dead, 61 buildings collapsed

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, killing at least 111 people and causing widespread destruction across major cities.

The tremor occurred at a depth of 107 kilometres (66 miles) in Chocó, a rural province on Colombia's Pacific coast, but it was felt throughout the nation and even in neighbouring nations such as Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama.

According to the Colombian Geological Service, it was "the highest magnitude earthquake recorded in Colombia within the last ten years."

President de la Espriella, who was recently inaugurated, declared the disaster to avoid delays caused by red tape.

In a national address, he said: “The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble.”

More than 87 people have been injured, and 61 buildings have collapsed.

Risaralda Province in the coffee region of Colombia saw the worst damage, with 42 deaths recorded. In the city of Pereira, footage captured citizens escaping as buildings collapsed. The third largest city in Colombia with a population of 2 million, Cali, recorded 19 buildings collapsing, leaving their occupants trapped inside. Mayor Alejandro Eder called for disaster rescue teams from Bogota and Medellin to help with relief efforts.

Manizales saw the collapse of one of the towers of its neo-Gothic cathedral onto the nave. Twelve buildings and 20 homes were at least partially destroyed in the town. Six airports in western Colombia closed down.