At least 132 people have been killed and more than 480 injured after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency. Officials fear the death toll could rise as rescue teams search for people trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

The earthquake struck at 07:34 local time at a depth of 103km in Chocó province, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar. Tremors were felt across large parts of Colombia and as far away as Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama.

Pereira was among the worst-hit cities, with at least 40 deaths reported in its metropolitan area and dozens of buildings collapsing. Significant damage was also reported in Cali, Manizales, Quibdó and other areas, while several regional airports were affected.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster situation to accelerate the emergency response and confirmed that more than 1,500 homes had been damaged. International leaders, including officials from the United States and European Union, have offered support as search and rescue operations continue.