Colombia EarthQuake Toll Hits 111 as Rescuers Dig Through Rubble

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has killed at least 111 people and damaged over 1,500 buildings across Colombia's coffee region and Pacific coast, officials said Monday.

The quake struck shortly after 7:30 am (1230 GMT), triggering panic in cities including Cali, Quibdo and Manizales, where rescuers used bare hands and basic tools to search for survivors trapped under rubble.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, sworn in just three days earlier, declared a state of emergency and pledged a coordinated rescue response. Hospitals in five cities were placed on red alert, a curfew was imposed in Cali, and at least six airports suspended operations.

The US Geological Survey said the quake, at a depth of 110 km, likely originated from movement along the Nazca tectonic plate. Tremors were also felt in Bogota, Ecuador and Panama.

The disaster follows twin earthquakes in neighboring Venezuela less than two months ago that killed over 6,300 people.

International support has poured in, with the US pledging $15.5 million in emergency relief and the EU deploying its Copernicus satellite service to aid rescue efforts. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as search operations continue.