Death toll rises in Colombia following magnitude 7.4 earthquake

Emergency response teams and military personnel in Colombia are continuing search and rescue efforts after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country's western region near San José del Palmar. Authorities declared a state of emergency following widespread structural damage that left dozens of buildings collapsed, with tremors felt across neighbouring Ecuador.

Fatality counts remain variable as damage assessments progress across affected municipalities. While early updates noted at least 20 casualties, subsequent reports indicate at least 132 deaths and more than 500 injured, with some outlets reporting the death toll has reached at least 164. Emergency workers caution that casualties will likely rise as crews search through rubble for missing survivors.

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