Department of western Colombia with Cali as capital and prominent seaport of Buenaventura
Two separate bomb attacks have marred Abelardo de la Espriella’s first week in office, killing at least one officer and wounding others. The army has attributed one tollbooth blast near Cali to dissident FARC factions and reported a drone strike on a police station in Cesar. De la Espriella has pledged a forceful crackdown and the US has pledged a $1bn security package.
A powerful earthquake has struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar, Chocó. The USGS has measured magnitude 7.4 while Colombia's geological service initially reported 6.6. The quake has caused building collapses across Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales, killed dozens, injured many and forced 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 regions bearing the brunt. Rescuers are digging through rubble as the death toll climbs and thousands of buildings are damaged. The new president has declared a state of emergency and mobilised security forces to lead the response.
A 7.4-magnitude quake has devastated western Colombia, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. Authorities say tens of thousands are displaced; rescue teams are shifting from search to debris removal as the death toll rises and missing persons number in the hundreds. International aid responses are under way, with Colombia declaring an economic emergency.