Bogota: The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia has risen to 239, according to a damage assessment released Wednesday by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD).

According to Anadolu Agency, the quake was centered in the area of San Jose del Palmar and affected 14 departments and 403 municipalities. The assessment indicated that at least 3,755 people were injured, while 287 remain missing. The disaster has impacted 24,324 families, totaling 49,214 people.

The tremor caused significant damage to homes and public infrastructure. A total of 9,215 homes were destroyed, and 45,457 were damaged. In response, the government has declared a national disaster situation to enhance the mobilization and coordination of institutional capacities to address the emergency.

The earthquake occurred at 7.34 am local time (1234GMT) on Monday, with the epicenter located approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) east of the town of San Jose del Palmar, based on data from the US Geological Survey. The agency reported that the quake originated at a depth of 107 kilometers.

A magnitude 5.0 aftershock struck at 8.18 am (1318GMT), approximately 16 kilometers west of San Jose del Palmar. The municipality, situated in the Choco Department, has a population of around 4,800 and is located 1,288 meters (4,225 feet) above sea level.

The quake has triggered an emergency response across affected areas, with international assistance also offered to Colombia.