Overview
- A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday near San José del Palmar in Chocó, producing widespread building collapse across the Coffee Axis and other western cities.
- Official tallies continue to rise with hundreds reported dead, thousands injured and many more unaccounted for as rescue teams work through damaged neighborhoods.
- Authorities say search-and-rescue is moving into a ‘final phase’ as the 72‑hour survival window ends and crews race to find any survivors under rubble.
- The government declared an economic emergency and three days of mourning and has limited acceptance of foreign teams to a short list of certified contingents while coordinating specific material requests.
- Domestic responders, international organizations and diaspora groups are shipping supplies and prioritizing cash and local purchases to speed shelter, medical care, water and debris-clearing needs as damaged hospitals, roads and power networks strain relief operations.