Colombia Earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 111 as Rescue Efforts Intensify

A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday, killing at least 111 people and injuring 87 others. The 7.4 magnitude tremor, which hit near San Jose del Palmar in the Pacific province of Choco, toppled buildings across several cities and left many residents trapped under debris.

The quake has become the first major crisis for President Abelardo De La Espriella, who was sworn in just days ago. In a national address, he declared a state of emergency and said the government's primary focus is on rescuing those still trapped.

"The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble," he stated, adding that all national capabilities are deployed to protect lives and deliver aid.

The most severe damage appears to be concentrated in the western province of Risaralda, a key coffee-growing region, and the major city of Cali. In Cali, residents described scenes of chaos and destruction.

"The building completely collapsed. It sounded like a bomb. It was horrible," said Juan Carlos Osorio, who was helping clear debris from a collapsed structure. "We need heavy equipment. There are many people trapped."

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake struck at a depth of 107 kilometers. Seismologist Suzan van der Lee of Northwestern University noted that while the deep epicenter should have reduced shaking, the quake's magnitude and location near soft river valleys may have amplified the damage.

The civil aviation authority has suspended flights at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura while structural inspections are carried out. The region is no stranger to seismic activity, having suffered a devastating 6.2 magnitude quake in 1999 that killed over 1,000 people.