Colombia Declares National Disaster as Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 111

Colombia has declared a state of national disaster after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the western part of the country, leaving at least 111 people dead and 87 others injured.

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the national disaster declaration as emergency teams continued searching for survivors in several of the hardest-hit cities, including Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdo.

More Than 1,500 Homes Damaged
According to Qatar News Agency (QNA), around 1,575 homes were damaged in the earthquake, including 37 that were completely destroyed. A further 61 buildings either collapsed or sustained severe damage.

Schools, hospitals and roads were also affected, adding to the challenges facing emergency and rescue teams as authorities assess the full scale of the destruction.

Risaralda Records Highest Death Toll
Risaralda Governor Juan Diego Patino said 42 people were killed in the coffee-growing region, making it the area with the highest reported death toll.

Buildings Collapse in Cali
In Cali, at least 30 buildings collapsed. The earthquake also damaged Manizales' historic cathedral, where a tower fell during the disaster.

Flights Suspended at Six Airports
Air travel was also disrupted, with flights suspended at six airports in western Colombia as authorities responded to damage and safety concerns.

Search-and-rescue operations remain focused on locating survivors while officials continue evaluating damage to homes, public facilities and transport infrastructure across the affected region.