More than 160 people have been killed in a powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia, marking the strongest tremor of the century in the region. The disaster hit near the city of Bucaramanga, in the northeastern part of the country, at around 5:40 a.M. Local time. The quake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, caused widespread damage and triggered landslides in several areas.
Colombia’s president has stated that the immediate priority is to rescue people trapped in collapsed buildings and provide emergency aid. Rescue teams are working around the clock in the hardest-hit regions, where many buildings were reduced to rubble. The government has activated a state of emergency and is coordinating with international organizations for support.
At least 500 people are reported missing, and the death toll is expected to rise as search operations continue. The earthquake has also disrupted transportation and communication networks, complicating relief efforts. Local authorities have warned that aftershocks could further endanger survivors in the coming days.
