A department of western Colombia, with Cali as its capital and a major Pacific seaport influence
Two separate bombing attacks have marred Abelardo de la Espriella’s first day in office, killing at least one police officer and wounding others. The army has blamed dissident FARC factions for a tollbooth car bomb near Cali and reports say a drone strike hit a police station in Cesar. De la Espriella has promised a relentless crackdown and the US has pledged a $1bn security package.
A powerful earthquake has struck western Colombia on Monday morning, centered near San José del Palmar in Chocó. The USGS has measured magnitude 7.4; Colombia’s geological service initially reported 6.6. Authorities have confirmed dozens of deaths, widespread building collapses in Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales, and large-scale evacuations and search operations.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, focusing damage in Chocó and Valle del Cauca. The government has declared a state of emergency as rescuers search for survivors. Officials report confirmed deaths and injuries, with continued aftershocks and mounting infrastructure damage.
A magnitude-7.4 earthquake has struck western Colombia, with Cali, Pereira and surrounding Valle del Cauca experiencing extensive damage. The new president Abelardo de la Espriella has mobilised the military and police and declared a national emergency as rescue services race to reach survivors amid collapsed buildings and missing people.