A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, causing significant damage and panic among residents.
According to the Colombian Geological Survey, the tremors were recorded at 07:34 local time (12:34 GMT), at a depth of about 82 kilometers.

The epicenter was located near San José del Palmar, in the Chocó region, according to the US Geological Survey.
The tremors were felt in various parts of the country, as well as in neighboring Venezuela.

In several Colombian cities, buildings have been evacuated as a precaution, while authorities have begun assessing the damage and the situation on the ground.

Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella, who was sworn in just a few days ago, has stated that he has taken personal responsibility for coordinating the response to the emergency.
In a reaction on the social network X, the president said he has ordered the creation of a "Joint Command Post" to coordinate the response to the damage and to assist people affected by the earthquake.
"I will also be personally in Pereira to stay with those affected and monitor the government's response. You are not alone. The government is here and is taking action," De La Espriella declared.

Authorities are continuing checks to determine the extent of the damage and whether there are any injured people or victims.

The governor of Colombia's western region of Chocó says the earthquake has caused "serious injuries and damage to buildings" in the region's capital, Quibdó.

Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi writes in X that the region has “experienced a major earthquake” and is “concerned about aftershocks.”

She says there were injuries and damage to buildings despite the epicenter being in nearby San José del Palmar.

"We are already carrying out a damage assessment to issue the first official report," adds Córdoba-Curi.
The earthquake has caused great concern in the region, especially after powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela less than two months ago.