New Delhi, Aug. 10 -- At least 47 people were killed and dozens of buildings collapsed across western Colombia on Monday after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the South American nation, trapping residents under rubble and forcing evacuations as far away as Bogota.

The earthquake caused widespread damage in Pereira, Quibdó, Cali and Manizales, while emergency teams and residents searched collapsed structures for survivors.

Local authorities reported 18 deaths in Pereira, two in Manizales and 27 in Valle del Cauca, where Cali is located, bringing the reported death toll to at least 47.

Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar said many people remained trapped under a "massive quantity of collapsed buildings" as rescue operations co...