Key facts
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday.
- At least 224 people have died, with significant casualties in Cali and Pereira.
- Buildings collapsed in multiple cities, including hospitals and residential blocks.
- Rescue efforts are ongoing, with fears the death toll may increase.
- President Abelardo De La Espriella is deploying security forces and coordinating aid.
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 224 lives. The quake hit the country's coffee-growing region, reducing buildings to rubble in cities like Pereira, Cali, and Manizales. In Cali, a major urban center, at least 85 people died, and the collapse of hospital sections left patients trapped and forced others into the streets. Pereira reported 66 fatalities, with entire residential blocks destroyed. The disaster has drawn comparisons to a devastating 1999 earthquake in the same region. Rescue efforts, involving emergency teams, police, soldiers, and volunteers, continued through the night, with fears that the death toll could still rise. President Abelardo De La Espriella announced the deployment of 1,000 security forces to Cali amid reports of looting and implemented curfews in affected cities.