Colombia shaken: 18 dead, buildings collapse as powerful 7.4 Earthquake strikes

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The powerful tremor was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela, prompting evacuations from buildings in the Colombian capital, Bogotá, according to AFP reporters at the scene.

At least 18 people have been killed after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, sending residents fleeing buildings and triggering emergency rescue operations across the region.

The early-morning earthquake, measured at magnitude 7.4, was recorded about 100 kilometres (60 miles) below the surface, with its epicentre in western Colombia.

According to AFP, emergency responders were deployed to affected areas to search through rubble, rescue survivors and assess the extent of the destruction as reports emerged of collapsed buildings.

At least 18 people were confirmed dead in the city of Pereira alone, according to the city’s Mayor, Mauricio Salazar, who described the situation as critical.

“The situation is critical,” Salazar told Caracol Radio.

The powerful tremor was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela, prompting evacuations from buildings in the Colombian capital, Bogotá, according to AFP reporters at the scene.

Images from news footage showed damaged and collapsed buildings in parts of western Colombia, raising fears that the death toll could increase as rescue teams reach more affected locations.

Residents were left shocked as emergency workers combed through damaged structures in search of people who may have been trapped beneath the debris.

Authorities said there was no immediate tsunami threat following the earthquake.

The tremor comes amid heightened regional concern over seismic activity, with Venezuela having experienced a devastating earthquake in late June.

Rescue and emergency teams remained on the ground as authorities assessed the full scale of the damage and continued efforts to locate survivors.