Colombia declared a state of emergency on Monday after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country's west, killing 111 people and injuring 87, President Abelardo de la Espriella said.
The quake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicentre about 100 kilometres (60 miles) underground near San Jose del Palmar in the coastal Choco region. The tremor was also felt in Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.
Emergency crews rushed into affected areas to search for survivors and assess damage in damaged buildings.
Authorities said dozens of structures collapsed or sustained serious damage across several regions.
Rescue teams race against time
Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, reported the collapse of about 20 buildings, with people feared trapped beneath the rubble.
In Manizales, part of a tower at the city's historic cathedral collapsed. Residents also reported extensive damage to buildings and stayed outdoors amid fears of aftershocks.
Choco officials warned of severe destruction in Quibdo, where images showed collapsed buildings and debris blocking streets.
The disaster also disrupted transportation.
Six small airports in western Colombia were temporarily closed, while authorities postponed football matches.
New president vows emergency response
De la Espriella, who was sworn in only Friday, said he would convene an emergency meeting and travel to the affected areas.
“To the Colombians who are going through difficult times today, I want to say: You are not alone,” he said.
Crowds poured into streets in Bogota after the shaking began, although damage in the capital appeared limited.
The United States, Mexico and Ecuador offered support as Colombia began its emergency response.
