Colombia declares state of emergency after 7.4 magnitude earthquake

Colombia has declared a state of emergency following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the western region of the country. The tremor, centered near San José del Palmar in Chocó, was felt in Ecuador and Panama, as well as in Colombian cities including Cali, Pereira, and Manizales. At least 111 people have died and hundreds remain missing as search and rescue operations continue amid dozens of aftershocks.

In the aftermath, representatives of residential properties in Pereira have reported significant delays in insurance payouts. Victims allege that insurance companies and liquidating firms are imposing excessive requirements to process claims, such as demanding physical evidence like bricks and roof tiles from collapsed walls, and requiring structural studies costing up to $300 million. Property administrators have called for intervention by the Financial Superintendence to prevent lengthy legal disputes and facilitate reconstruction.