A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, leaving at least 47 people dead, dozens of buildings collapsed and communities across several cities searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

The earthquake’s epicentre was located near San José del Palmar in Chocó, close to Colombia’s Pacific coast. According to Colombia’s Geological Service, it was the strongest earthquake recorded in the country in the past decade.

Some of the worst damage has been reported in Cali, Pereira and Manizales.

Authorities have confirmed at least 27 deaths in Valle del Cauca, including three children, while 18 people were killed in Pereira and two in Manizales. The death toll could continue to rise as emergency crews search damaged and collapsed buildings.

In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder said people were trapped inside at least 20 collapsed buildings. Residents and rescue teams have been digging through debris looking for survivors.

The earthquake also caused significant damage to landmarks. In Manizales, part of the city’s historic neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed, with one of its towers falling onto the nave.

The quake was felt hundreds of kilometres away, including in Bogotá, where residents evacuated buildings.

Air travel has also been disrupted, with flights suspended at airports serving Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura and Pereira.

Authorities have recorded aftershocks following the initial earthquake, adding to concerns as rescue operations continue across western Colombia.

The disaster comes just days after Abelardo de la Espriella was inaugurated as Colombia’s new president. He said he would personally oversee recovery efforts and establish an emergency centre in San José del Palmar.

Colombia is accustomed to smaller earthquakes, particularly in its central and western regions, but earthquakes of this magnitude are much less common. One of the country’s deadliest recent disasters occurred near Armenia in 1999, when a 6.2-magnitude earthquake killed more than 1,100 people.

Monday’s earthquake is still a developing situation, and casualty and damage figures could change significantly as authorities reach affected communities and rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings.

Our thoughts are with everyone in Colombia affected by this tragedy. 🇨🇴