depth of about 107 kilometres. Strong tremors were felt across large parts of Colombia and in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama. The depth and strength of the earthquake caused widespread shaking, alarming residents in numerous cities. Authorities monitored reports from affected regions while emergency services responded to damage. The epicentre’s location in western Colombia placed several communities at risk, prompting officials to coordinate rescue teams, structural inspections and emergency assessments across the region.

Pereira Among Worst-Hit Areas

Pereira, Valle del Cauca and Manizales were among the areas reporting the heaviest casualties and damage following the earthquake. Authorities reported 18 deaths in Pereira, while Valle del Cauca recorded 27 deaths, including three children. Two additional deaths were reported in Manizales. The figures reflected the severe impact of the earthquake across western Colombia. Emergency personnel were sent into affected communities to search damaged structures and assist residents. Rescue operations remained focused on locations where people could still be trapped beneath debris. Officials continued collecting information from local authorities as assessments progressed, warning that casualty figures could change as rescue teams reached difficult areas.

Buildings Collapse in Cali

Cali also experienced significant damage after the powerful earthquake struck western Colombia. Authorities reported multiple collapsed buildings, while residents and rescue workers searched damaged structures for people who might have been trapped. Streets in affected areas were covered with rubble and debris as emergency teams moved through the city. Visuals from the disaster zone showed partially collapsed buildings and residents rushing into open areas after the violent shaking. Rescue workers faced difficult conditions while checking unstable structures. Officials urged residents to remain alert and avoid damaged buildings. The continuing risk of aftershocks increased concerns about additional collapses and complicated rescue operations in affected locations.

Authorities Warn of Aftershocks

Authorities warned residents not to immediately return to buildings damaged by the earthquake because aftershocks could trigger further collapses. Emergency crews inspected structures and searched areas where people were believed to remain trapped beneath debris. The warning was particularly important in locations where buildings had suffered visible structural damage. Officials urged residents to follow instructions from emergency personnel and remain in safer open areas when necessary. Rescue teams worked carefully around unstable structures while assessing possible survivors. The continuing threat of aftershocks added another challenge to emergency operations, as authorities balanced the urgent need to search buildings with the safety of rescuers and residents.

Six Airports Suspend Operations

The earthquake severely disrupted air travel across western Colombia, forcing the temporary suspension of operations at six airports. Colombia’s civil aviation authority suspended services at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura. Engineers were deployed to inspect runways, terminals and other airport infrastructure for possible structural damage. The precautionary closures were intended to protect passengers and airport personnel while technical teams assessed facilities. The disruption added to challenges facing communities already affected by collapsed buildings and damaged roads. Authorities continued monitoring airport conditions before determining when operations could safely resume, while emergency services remained focused on the wider earthquake response.

Rescue Operations Continue

Emergency teams were deployed across western Colombia as authorities began assessing the full extent of destruction caused by the earthquake. Rescue workers continued searching collapsed buildings and damaged structures for possible survivors. Officials warned that the death toll could increase as teams reached the hardest-hit locations and gathered more information. The response involved rescue operations, structural inspections and emergency assessments across multiple cities. Authorities also urged residents to remain cautious because aftershocks could create additional dangers. With debris blocking streets and buildings requiring inspection, rescue teams faced difficult conditions. Officials continued coordinating relief efforts while communities waited for further updates on the disaster.

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