A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes western Colombia and causes widespread destruction, with authorities reporting at least 20 deaths. Reports say dozens of buildings collapse, trapping people in rubble and prompting evacuations as rescue crews search for survivors.
Across multiple outlets, the highest confirmed death toll comes from Pereira, where Mayor Mauricio Salazar says 18 people are killed and others are trapped in collapsed structures. Other cities mentioned include Manizales, where Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas reports additional deaths, and Cali, which officials describe as affected though details vary by outlet. Several reports also place the earthquake’s impact in the Pacific region and the central Andes.
Some outlets provide “latest” figures in a similar early range (about 18–20 deaths), citing different local officials. France 24, however, reports a much higher death toll later, saying local authorities put the figure at 224, reflecting an updated count after continued search and recovery. Other coverage focuses more on immediate damage and rescue efforts, including trapped residents and building collapse.
