At least 20 people were killed and dozens of buildings collapsed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, triggering panic and rescue operations across several cities.

The earthquake was centered near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, about 400 kilometres west of the capital, Bogotá. The tremor was felt across large parts of Colombia and in neighbouring countries.

Local officials initially reported that 18 people were killed in Pereira and two in Manizales, while numerous others were injured or trapped following building collapses. The city of Cali also suffered significant structural damage, with several buildings collapsing.

Emergency responders, firefighters, police officers and rescue teams were deployed to affected areas to search through rubble and assist residents.

Authorities also carried out inspections of buildings and infrastructure considered unsafe.

Several airports in affected cities were temporarily closed or suspended operations while authorities assessed possible damage. Officials urged residents to remain cautious because additional tremors or aftershocks could occur.

The earthquake caused widespread fear, with residents rushing out of buildings and gathering in open spaces as the ground shook.

Images and videos circulating online showed damaged structures, fallen debris and residents attempting to assess the destruction.

The Colombian authorities continue to assess the full extent of the disaster, and the casualty figure could change as search-and-rescue operations continue.

Later reports have already placed the death toll above the initial figure reported in the post.

The disaster has prompted renewed concerns about building safety and emergency preparedness in earthquake-prone areas of Colombia.

Rescue operations and damage assessments remain ongoing.