Colombia earthquake death toll rises as rescue efforts continue

Emergency responders and military units in western Colombia are continuing search and rescue operations following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake centered near San José del Palmar. The government declared a national state of emergency as search teams clear rubble from collapsed buildings. Tremors were also registered in neighboring Ecuador.

Casualty figures vary significantly across reporting outlets as recovery efforts progress. Moldova1 reported that at least 164 people have died, while Digi24 and Ziarul de Gardă put the death toll at 132, with over 500 injured. Initial reports from HotNews and Adevărul recorded lower figures of dozens and 20 fatalities, respectively. Authorities caution that casualty figures are expected to climb further while victims remain trapped.

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