Colombia earthquake death toll rises as rescue efforts continue under state of emergency

Search and rescue operations in western Colombia are continuing following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake centered near San José del Palmar, with authorities cautioning that casualty figures may climb further as teams clear collapsed structures. A national state of emergency remains in effect to accelerate humanitarian assistance, provide temporary shelter for displaced residents, and assist emergency workers searching for trapped survivors.

Reported casualty figures vary as officials update local assessments. Moldova1 reports that the death toll has reached at least 164, while Digi24 and Ziarul de Gardă document at least 132 fatalities and more than 500 people injured. Earlier accounts from Adevărul and HotNews reflected initial preliminary tolls following the tremor, which was also felt across neighboring Ecuador.

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