At least 22 killed in 7.4-magnitude quake in western Colombia

BOGOTA -- At least 22 people were killed after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, local authorities said.

Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar told local media that at least 18 people had died in the city in the quake, whose epicenter was near San Jose del Palmar, some 400 km west of Bogota.

"So far, we have registered 18 deaths in the city, unfortunately, and a very high number of affected buildings. Some of them collapsed," Salazar said. "The situation is critical, and we are moving forward with assessments and assisting people who remain trapped."

Authorities in Manizales reported two deaths, while officials in the department of Valle del Cauca reported two more deaths and structural damage to many buildings.

Valle del Cauca Health Secretary Maria Cristina Lesmes said two people were killed in Zarzal, three people were injured in El Cairo, an academic structure collapsed in Calima-El Darien, and minor structural damage was reported in Cali.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said on X that he was heading back to Bogota to focus on responding to the emergency facing the country. He also ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post to coordinate response efforts and assistance for those affected.

Colombia's civil aeronautics authority said the quake caused significant damage at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura.

"For safety reasons, air operations at these terminals remain suspended until structural damage to infrastructure is assessed," the authority said.

The Colombian Geological Service said the quake struck at 7:34 am local time.

Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said there was no tsunami threat to the country's Pacific coast following the quake.

Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage, particularly in Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Cali and Buenaventura. Videos shared on social media showed several buildings collapsing during the major quake, which was also strongly felt in Bogota and Medellin.