A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Tuesday morning, killing at least 132 people and injuring more than 480, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency. The geological service reported the quake occurred at 07:34 local time at a depth of 103 kilometers (64 miles) in Chocó province.

The seismic event is considered one of the largest to hit the country in years, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue and more people are feared trapped beneath collapsed structures. The earthquake was felt across a vast area of western Colombia, stretching for hundreds of miles.

Many of the fatalities have been concentrated in the city of Pereira, located approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) from the epicenter. In Pereira's metropolitan area alone, authorities reported at least 40 deaths and 65 building collapses, with people believed to be trapped in 15 of them. A curfew has been imposed in some parts of the city.

The Valle del Cauca region and surrounding cities also experienced significant damage. In Cali, about 160 kilometers south of Pereira, 32 buildings collapsed. Dan Cutler, a visitor from London currently in Cali, described the terrifying experience of being woken by the tremor and rushing outside, noting surface cracks and fallen plaster in his hotel.

Reports of casualties also emerged from Manizales, Quibdó, and Medellín, as well as across the Chocó and Valle del Cauca regions. At least two people died in Manizales, where a witness described dust erupting from neighboring buildings and bricks falling from walls. Despite the widespread damage, the mayor of San José del Palmar in Chocó province reported no deaths or injuries in his municipality, despite significant road damage.

Luis Felipe Molina, a journalist and meteorologist in Manizales, noted that while his building withstood the impact due to strict seismic-resistant regulations, hundreds of books were dislodged from his shelves. The differing levels of structural integrity highlight the varied impact of the quake across different locations and building standards.

Colombian authorities are coordinating rescue and relief operations, with the focus on reaching those still trapped and assessing the full extent of the damage. The declaration of a state of emergency is intended to facilitate a swift and comprehensive response to the disaster.

Further assessments are underway to determine the long-term implications for the affected regions, including infrastructure repair and support for displaced residents. The event underscores the ongoing seismic risk in Colombia and the importance of preparedness and resilient construction.