At Least 47 Dead After 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — At least 47 people have been killed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing buildings to collapse and prompting evacuations across several cities.

The earthquake was centred near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó region and was felt across large parts of the country, as well as in neighbouring Ecuador.

The death toll has risen rapidly as emergency crews assess the damage. Earlier reports put the number of fatalities at 20, but subsequent updates raised the toll to at least 47.

Significant damage has been reported in several western Colombian cities, including Cali, Pereira and Manizales. Multiple buildings collapsed, leaving people trapped and prompting emergency responders to launch search-and-rescue operations.

Authorities have urged residents to remain alert as the region experiences aftershocks. People in several areas rushed from homes and buildings following the powerful tremor, while emergency services worked to determine the full extent of the destruction.

The earthquake was also strongly felt in Ecuador, where residents evacuated buildings as a precaution.

Officials are continuing to assess casualties and structural damage, and the death toll could rise as rescue teams reach affected areas.

This is a developing story.

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