Tehran: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has expressed condolences to the people and government of Colombia following a powerful earthquake that killed hundreds of people and caused widespread destruction in the South American country.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei extended his sympathies to the families of those killed in the disaster, as well as to the Colombian people and government, in a message delivered on Tuesday. He also wished a speedy recovery for those injured and affected by the earthquake.

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, with the epicenter near San Jos© del Palmar in the Choc³ region. The powerful tremor caused extensive damage in several parts of the country and was felt in neighboring areas.

The death toll has risen to at least 250, while more than 2,700 people have reportedly been listed as missing, as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings and other damaged structures. The earthquake has been described as one of the strongest and deadliest seismic events to hit Colombia in decades.