Rescue efforts continue in Colombia as earthquake death toll mounts

Colombian emergency personnel and military units are continuing recovery operations under a national state of emergency following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the country's western region.

Reported casualty counts have escalated as assessments progress, with media tallies indicating between 132 and 164 fatalities alongside more than 500 injuries. Centred near San José del Palmar at a depth of roughly 107 kilometres, the tremor brought down numerous structures and was felt across the border in neighbouring Ecuador.

First responders are working through collapsed buildings to locate survivors believed to remain trapped under rubble. Authorities have warned that the confirmed death toll is likely to rise further as emergency teams establish access to cut-off communities.

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