A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least 47 people dead, while fears remain that several people are trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the strong earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicentre reported near San José del Palmar in Chocó province. The area, located in the Chocó region, has a population of around 4,800 and lies approximately 400 kilometres west of the capital, Bogotá.
Tremors were felt across different parts of Colombia, including Bogotá, as well as in neighbouring countries.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 107 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface.
The earthquake caused several buildings to collapse in western parts of the country, while debris was scattered across roads and other areas.
The mayor of Pereira said there were reports of several people trapped inside collapsed buildings. Rescue workers, assisted by local residents, launched search operations to locate and rescue people feared buried under the rubble.
Local authorities confirmed that at least 47 people had died in the earthquake.
Of the total fatalities, 18 were reported in Pereira, two in Manizales and 27 in the Valle del Cauca region.
Authorities said at least three children were among those who died in Valle del Cauca.
Search and rescue efforts are continuing amid concerns that more people could still be trapped beneath collapsed structures.
