Colombia declares emergency as earthquake death toll reaches 164

Emergency operations are underway across Colombia following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck near San José del Palmar on August 10. The seismic event, centered roughly 107 kilometers underground, destroyed multiple buildings and triggered tremors felt as far as Ecuador. A national state of emergency has been declared as military units and rescue personnel clear debris to locate survivors trapped under collapsed structures.

Casualty figures varied across initial media updates as rescue efforts progressed. Early reports placed the death toll at 20, but subsequent counts rapidly escalated. While several outlets reported at least 132 deaths and over 500 injuries, later updates pushed the confirmed fatality count to at least 164. Authorities warned that casualties could rise further as search operations reach isolated municipalities.

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