Colombia earthquake death toll reaches 164 as search efforts continue

Emergency operations remain underway in western Colombia following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake centered near San José del Palmar. The tremor, which was also felt in neighboring Ecuador, caused extensive structural collapses and prompted Colombian authorities to declare a national state of emergency to accelerate relief efforts and military deployment.

Reported casualty numbers vary across sources as search crews continue clearing debris. Moldova1 reported that at least 164 people have died, while Digi24 and Ziarul de Gardă cited 132 fatalities and more than 500 injuries. Earlier initial estimates from Adevărul and HotNews reported lower tolls ranging from 20 to several dozen dead. Officials caution that casualty numbers may rise further as rescue teams search for survivors believed to be trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

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