A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 hit western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction across several cities including Quibdo, Pereira, Cali, and neighboring regions like Venezuela and Ecuador. The quake left at least 20 people dead, with 18 fatalities reported in Pereira and two in Manizales. In Cali alone, 20 buildings collapsed, trapping several individuals. Airports in multiple cities including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura sustained damage, leading to the suspension of air operations. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has pledged to oversee recovery efforts personally and establish an emergency center in San Jose del Palmar. Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi reported injuries and significant building damage in Quibdo, while neighboring Risaralda Governor Juan Diego Patino stated there was "serious damage" in Pereira. The Colombian Army has deployed five rescue platoons to affected areas, equipped with high-precision technology and canine search teams. Over 2 million people were exposed to strong shaking during the quake, with the potential for considerable damage in poorly built structures and slight to moderate damage in well-built ones. USGS estimates that widespread destruction could result in significant casualties, with a one-in-three chance of fatalities exceeding 1,000.