Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 132, with 570 injured

The death toll from the powerful earthquake in Colombia has reached 132, while 570 others have been injured, Caracol television reported citing the latest government data.

Previously, Colombian authorities stated that 111 people had died and 87 others were injured.

According to initial information, the earthquake damaged 1,575 residential buildings, 61 of which were completely destroyed. The damaged buildings included 18 health facilities, 52 educational institutions, 18 road sections, and seven airports.

According to Caracol, the worst situation occurred in Pereira and other areas of the Coffee Axis region, as well as in the Valle del Cauca District and Choco.

The number of deaths and injuries continues to be updated as rescue efforts proceed.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday morning. The epicentre was located near the administrative area of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco District. Tremors were felt across most of Colombia, as well as in neighbouring countries, namely Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.

Colombian authorities declared a national disaster status and deployed rescue units to the worst-affected areas. Search and rescue teams were dispatched from Bogota, Envigado, Yopal, and Medellin.