Overview
- The quake struck near San José del Palmar and was recorded at magnitude 7.4 with a depth of about 100–107 km, producing strong shaking across western Colombia and neighboring countries.
- Rescue teams are digging survivors from rubble after dozens of buildings, including apartments, hospitals and a cathedral tower, collapsed and left at least 111 people dead and scores injured.
- President Abelardo de la Espriella set up a unified command to coordinate search-and-rescue, deploy resources to hard-hit cities and accelerate funding for relief operations.
- Multiple regional airports have suspended operations for structural inspections, complicating access to remote Chocó and slowing delivery of heavy equipment and supplies.
- The quake follows a decade-high seismic event for Colombia and comes as authorities warn of aftershocks and work to reach isolated, poorer communities that face longer delays in aid.