Deadly Quake Strikes Colombia, Leaving at Least 20 Dead

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 rocked Colombia's Pacific coastline just after 8:30 this morning, sending tremors across the border into Ecuador as well. The violent shaking collapsed structures in several urban centers, and rescue teams are now scrambling to search for survivors amid the rubble.

At least 20 people have been confirmed dead, according to emergency officials, and that number is expected to climb as rescue efforts continue. Hospitals in the affected areas are treating dozens of injured, many of whom were pulled from debris by neighbors and first responders. The quake's epicenter was located off the coast, but its shallow depth amplified the destruction on land.

In cities like Cali and Pasto, videos circulating on social media show buildings swaying violently before crumbling, with clouds of dust rising over residential neighborhoods. Entire blocks in some towns have been reduced to piles of broken concrete and twisted metal. Power lines are down, and communication networks remain spotty, complicating coordination for aid agencies.

The Colombian government has declared a state of

The Colombian government has declared a state of emergency in the most heavily impacted regions and is mobilizing military units to assist in the relief effort. President Gustavo Petro addressed the nation, urging calm and promising that all available resources would be deployed to the disaster zone. International offers of help have begun to arrive from neighboring countries and global organizations.

Residents are spending the night in parks and open lots, too frightened to return to their homes amid frequent aftershocks. Many describe scenes of chaos, with people digging through debris with bare hands in the first hours after the quake. The full extent of the damage is still unknown, as crews struggle to reach remote villages along the coast.

Geologists warn that additional strong aftershocks are possible in the coming days, adding to the urgency of relief operations. For now, the focus remains on saving lives, but the long road to rebuilding has already begun.