At least 132 people have been killed and more than 480 injured after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency as rescue teams search through collapsed buildings for survivors.

The earthquake struck at 7:34am local time (12:34 GMT) in Chocó province, according to Colombia’s geological service. The quake occurred at a depth of around 103 kilometres (64 miles) and was felt across a wide area of the country.

Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as emergency crews reach more affected communities and continue searching areas where people may be trapped beneath rubble.

Pereira Suffers Major Damage

The city of Pereira, located in Colombia’s coffee-growing region, was among the areas hit hardest by the earthquake. Several buildings were damaged, while emergency crews were deployed to assess the destruction and assist residents.

Videos verified by the BBC showed a building collapsing in Plaza Bolívar, Pereira’s main square. The footage showed debris and thick clouds of dust spreading through the square following the collapse.

Pereira is located about 55 kilometres (34 miles) from the earthquake’s epicentre and experienced severe shaking.

Other cities and communities across the Valle del Cauca region also reported significant damage and injuries.

Epicentre Near San José del Palmar

The earthquake’s epicentre was located near San José del Palmar, a village in Chocó province.

Despite being close to the epicentre, the village reportedly escaped fatalities and serious injuries. Local mayor León Fabio Marín Moncada said there were no reported deaths or injuries in the community, although roads connecting the village to surrounding areas were damaged.

The damaged roads have created additional challenges for emergency teams attempting to reach remote communities and deliver assistance.

Hundreds Injured

More than 480 people have been injured following the earthquake, Colombia’s Association of Capital Cities said in an update.

Hospitals and emergency services in affected areas have been placed on alert as authorities work to treat casualties and assess damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Rescue teams are concentrating their efforts on locations where collapsed structures could contain survivors. Emergency officials are also inspecting buildings for structural damage and warning residents to stay away from unsafe structures.

State of Emergency Declared

Colombian authorities have declared a state of emergency following the disaster, allowing government agencies to coordinate rescue operations and mobilise additional resources.

Emergency workers are assessing damage to homes, public buildings, roads and other infrastructure while providing assistance to communities affected by the earthquake.

The emergency response has been complicated by damaged roads and infrastructure in areas near the epicentre.

Rescue Efforts Continue

Search-and-rescue operations remain underway as authorities attempt to locate anyone still trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Officials are also monitoring the possibility of further tremors and assessing damaged structures that could pose a danger to residents and rescue workers.

The scale of the destruction is expected to become clearer as emergency teams reach more remote areas.

With hundreds of people injured and widespread structural damage reported, authorities fear the Colombia earthquake death toll could increase in the coming hours as rescue operations continue.

The disaster has become one of the country’s most serious recent earthquakes, leaving communities across western Colombia facing a major emergency response