Devastating M7.4 Earthquake Strikes Colombia, 111 Killed

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has devastated parts of western Colombia, leaving at least 111 people dead and 87 injured. The quake struck at 7.34 a.m. local time on Monday at a depth of 107 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicentre was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, a sparsely populated region on Colombia’s Pacific coast, but the tremors were felt in major cities across the country and as far away as Venezuela.

President Abelardo de la Espriella reported that 61 buildings had collapsed. “The national government has deployed all its capabilities to protect lives, assist the affected population, and channel aid wherever it is needed,” he said. The western region of the country bore the brunt of the damage, with 27 deaths reported in Valle del Cauca and 40 in Pereira, the capital of Risaralda department.

In Pereira, Mayor Mauricio Salazar imposed a curfew after at least 65 buildings were reported to have collapsed. Victims are believed to still be trapped in at least 15 structures, while five hospitals in the city are reportedly overwhelmed with the injured. In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20 buildings had collapsed and urged residents to evacuate any structurally compromised buildings. “If you do not feel safe or see very large cracks, please leave the building,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manizales Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas Giraldo reported that at least 12 buildings and 20 houses were partially or completely destroyed. He warned residents not to re-enter buildings due to the risk of aftershocks. “Do not go back inside yet. I know it is not easy, but stay outside for now because there is a possibility of aftershocks,” he said. Damage was also reported in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, with several injuries and severely damaged buildings.

Aviation authorities reported damage to airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Cartago, Armenia, and Buenaventura. The Colombian government has activated national disaster response mechanisms to accelerate search and rescue operations. The earthquake presents a major test for President de la Espriella, who was sworn in just last Friday. The United States government, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stated it is monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide support to Colombia.