At least 70 people have lost their lives in the powerful earthquake that struck Colombia, according to the latest reports from the country.

The death toll has risen significantly compared to previous reports, which put the number of deaths at 22.

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The earthquake claimed the lives of four more people in the department of Chocó, in northwestern Colombia, as confirmed by the local governor, Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curie.

At least 70 dead in Colombia
In addition, it is known that three people lost their lives in the city of Manizales.

The death toll currently stands at at least 70, including children.

The worst damage has been reported in the Valle del Cauca region, where Cali is located. According to available information, 27 people lost their lives there, while at least 40 deaths were reported in Pereira by the city’s mayor, Mauricio Salazar, in his latest update.

Classes Suspended and Temporary Shelter Set Up in Manitales
In Manitales, authorities urged residents to return to their homes and avoid non-essential travel.

At the same time, schools and universities have suspended operations until further notice, as announced by the mayor’s office via X.

Authorities have also set up a temporary shelter at the Greater Coliseum for people in need of a safe place.

“A temporary shelter has been set up at the Greater Coliseum for those who need a safe place. Anyone in need can go to this location,” a related announcement stated.

Panic at Pereira
Airport Shocking images were captured at Matecaña International Airport in Pereira during the powerful tremor.

A video shows passengers and employees running to find a safe place as parts of the building begin to collapse. Another video shows the extensive damage, with large sections of the roof having collapsed and debris and dust covering the airport terminals.

At least 20 buildings have collapsed in Cali, and people are trapped inside them. The city’s mayor, Alejandro Eder, said he has requested teams from Bogotá and Medellín to assist in the rescue efforts. He also mentioned “extensive damage,” which is being assessed using drones.

The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority reported that the airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, and Cartago Buenaventura have sustained damage. Operations at these airports have been suspended.

The Strongest Earthquake of the Last Decade
The Colombian Geological Survey described today’s tremor as the strongest earthquake recorded in the country over the past decade.

The agency reported that the earthquake “was strongly felt in various regions of the country, as well as in neighboring countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.”

So far, two aftershocks have been recorded, measuring 2.8 and 4.8 on the Richter scale.

Estimates of the earthquake’s magnitude vary. The European EMSC estimated it at 7.4, with a focal depth of 115 kilometers, while the U.S. USGS measured it at 7.1 on the Richter scale and at a depth of approximately 100 kilometers, noting that no tsunami warning was issued.

The Colombian Geological Survey and the UNGRD provided a lower estimate of 6.6 on the Richter scale. According to the UNGRD, the earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m., at a depth of 79 kilometers.

The epicenter was located near San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó.

Emergency Center Established by Presidential
Order Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriela has ordered the establishment of a unified command center in San José del Palmar to coordinate disaster response and support those affected.

The Colombian president also requested a “detailed report” from the director of the national disaster risk management unit.

“I will personally travel to Pereira to stand by those affected and verify the government’s response. You are not alone. The government is present and taking action,” he stated, as efforts to assess the damage and address the aftermath of the earthquake are underway.

Rubio: “Ready to support the people of Colombia” the Trump
administration The U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation in Colombia, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Washington is ready to help.

“It is ready to support the people of Colombia,” Rubio wrote on X, while also urging American citizens in the country to follow updates from the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá.

Meanwhile, Sky News correspondent David Blevins warned that there is a “real possibility” the death toll could rise further.

However, as he explained, there is also “a glimmer of hope,” as the earthquake’s great focal depth may have limited the damage.

“The earthquake was recorded at a depth of more than 60 miles. By comparison, the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela in June were only six miles deep… This one is much deeper, and they hope the death toll will be much lower,” he said.

According to the analysis, shallower earthquakes tend to cause greater destruction. Despite this, Blevins described the earthquake as “devastating for this part of the world.”