Death toll climbs to at least 164 after powerful earthquake in Colombia

Emergency rescue teams in Colombia continue searching through debris following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western regions near San José del Palmar. The tremor, which was also felt across neighbouring Ecuador, caused widespread structural collapse and prompted authorities to declare a national state of emergency.

Casualty figures have steadily increased as emergency personnel access damaged zones. While initial reports indicated 20 deaths, subsequent estimates recorded more than 130 fatalities and over 500 injuries, with later tallies climbing to at least 164 dead.

Military units and disaster response workers remain engaged in operations amid concerns that more people are trapped beneath collapsed structures. Authorities are arranging temporary shelter and humanitarian aid for displaced residents.

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