Key facts
- A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia.
- At least 111 people have been killed by the earthquake.
- Thousands of people are reported missing.
- Search and rescue efforts are underway.
- The earthquake caused widespread damage and infrastructure damage.
- The quake was felt in Ecuador and Panama, prompting evacuations.
- Pereira reported 18 deaths due to collapsed buildings.
- Manizales reported two deaths.
- A magnitude 6.6 earthquake also struck Colombia's Pacific coast.
- Choco province sustained significant damage from the 6.6 magnitude quake.
- Colombian stocks declined following the earthquake.
A significant magnitude 7.4 earthquake has impacted western Colombia, leading to a confirmed death toll of at least 111 people and causing extensive damage. Search and rescue efforts are actively underway, with initial reports indicating thousands of individuals are missing. President Abelardo de la Espriella is leading the emergency response. The earthquake's tremors were felt not only across Colombia but also extended into Ecuador and Panama, prompting evacuations in these neighboring countries. Infrastructure damage has been reported widely. Specifically, the city of Pereira has reported 18 deaths due to building collapses that trapped residents, while Manizales recorded two fatalities. Another report details a magnitude 6.6 earthquake striking Colombia's Pacific coast, causing injuries and significant damage in Choco province, with tremors felt as far as Venezuela. The event has also had an economic impact, with Colombian stocks declining in the wake of the earthquake, contributing to mixed performance in Latin American assets.