A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning.

The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time. Its epicenter was near San José del Palmar in Chocó.

According to the Colombia Geological Service, the earthquake occurred about 100 kilometers deep. The magnitude was later revised upward from an earlier estimate.

The earthquake was strongly felt across much of Colombia. Tremors were reported in Pereira, Manizales, Armenia and Medellín.

Shaking was also felt in Bogotá, Ecuador and Venezuela.

In Manizales, part of the historic cathedral’s tower collapsed during the earthquake. The city also reported two deaths.

Footage after the earthquake showed residents fleeing buildings. Debris was also seen falling from structures.

Pereira was among the hardest-hit cities. Authorities reported substantial structural damage there.

Operations were temporarily suspended at airports in Pereira, Manizales and Armenia. Officials inspected infrastructure following the earthquake.

Meanwhile, Cali reported damage to at least 19 buildings. Some people were reportedly trapped inside damaged structures.

Rescue teams were deployed as authorities searched the affected buildings. Officials also requested additional emergency support.

In Quibdó, authorities reported injuries and significant building damage. The city is the capital of Chocó and is close to the epicentral area.

The earthquake also revived memories of Colombia’s devastating 1999 earthquake. That magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the coffee-growing region.

It killed approximately 1,185 people and injured thousands. Hundreds of thousands were also affected.

Monday’s earthquake occurred at a greater depth than the 1999 disaster. That depth may have limited some potential damage.

President Abelardo de la Espriella said he was overseeing the national emergency response. He was expected to travel to Pereira.

Emergency agencies continued coordinating rescue and recovery efforts. Meanwhile, authorities assessed damage across affected departments.

Residents were urged to remain alert for aftershocks. They were also told to avoid damaged buildings.

Officials said structures should be inspected before people re-enter them.

The death toll and damage assessment could change as rescue operations continue.

This remains a developing story.