A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale has struck western Colombia, resulting in a significant loss of life and widespread structural damage. According to reports from the Khaleej Times and international wire services, at least 111 people have been confirmed dead, with dozens more injured as rescue operations continue across the affected region.
The seismic event, described as the largest to hit the country in several years, caused buildings to crumble and military infrastructure to collapse. Footage circulating from the region shows residents watching helplessly as homes were destroyed, while emergency responders struggle to navigate debris-strewn areas to reach survivors trapped beneath the rubble. The scale of the destruction has prompted a massive mobilization of local and national emergency services.
International observers and aid organizations are monitoring the situation closely as the death toll continues to rise. The earthquake has left many communities displaced, with survivors expressing uncertainty about the safety of their homes and the stability of the region. Authorities have warned that the number of casualties may increase as search and rescue teams gain access to more remote areas impacted by the tremors.
The core event of a major earthquake in Colombia is corroborated by multiple trusted wire services including the BBC and Al Jazeera. While the specific casualty figures (111 vs 132) vary slightly across reports, the event's occurrence and the scale of the disaster are confirmed by international news agencies.
Original report: Khaleej Times