Colombia earthquake leaves 254 dead and 3,000 missing

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar, with a focal depth of approximately 103 kilometers. The earthquake, considered the largest to hit the country in a decade, has resulted in at least 254 deaths, 570 injuries, and approximately 3,000 people reported missing.

Significant structural damage has been reported, with 61 buildings and 1,300 homes collapsed or severely damaged. The city of Cali was among the hardest hit, recording 95 deaths and 949 injuries. Other affected areas include Pereira, Manizales, Chocó, and Quibdó. The deep nature of the tremor caused widespread shaking felt as far as the capital, Bogotá, and into neighboring Ecuador.

President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national state of emergency, establishing unified command centers in Armenia, Quindío, Cali, and Bogotá. The government has announced rental assistance for displaced families while structural assessments are conducted. Internationally, the United States has pledged $15.5 million through the State Department to fund emergency shelters and essential supplies. Pope Leo XIV also expressed solidarity with the victims.