Casualties rise as Colombia declares emergency following powerful earthquake

Emergency workers and military personnel in Colombia are continuing rescue efforts following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake centered near San José del Palmar. The tremor caused widespread structural collapses and prompted the national government to declare a state of emergency to manage relief efforts and shelter displaced residents.

Reported casualties have climbed significantly as rubble is cleared. Moldova1 reported that at least 164 people have died, while Digi24 and Ziarul de Gardă cited tolls of at least 132 fatalities alongside more than 500 injuries. Earlier accounts from HotNews and Adevărul reported lower initial casualties as disaster assessments began. Authorities expect the casualty count to rise further, with many individuals still believed to be trapped beneath damaged buildings across western Colombia and border areas near Ecuador.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.