A powerful earthquake struck Colombia’s Pacific region, injuring people and damaging buildings in cities including Quibdó and Pereira.
BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA — Web Desk: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, causing injuries and significant structural damage in several cities, while authorities began assessing the extent of the destruction.
The Colombian Geological Service said the earthquake was centered near San José del Palmar in Chocó department, at a depth of approximately 96 kilometres (60 miles). The magnitude was later revised upward to 7.4 from an earlier assessment.
The tremor was strongly felt across large parts of the country, including Bogotá, Pereira, Quibdó, Cali and Manizales, while residents in parts of neighbouring Venezuela also reported feeling the earthquake.
Damage and injuries reported
Authorities reported significant damage in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, with Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi warning of possible aftershocks as emergency teams began evaluating the situation.
In neighbouring Risaralda department, Governor Juan Diego Patiño said serious damage had been reported to some buildings in Pereira, including collapsed building facades. Injuries were also reported.
Reuters Connect footage showed people evacuating buildings in Bogotá following the earthquake, while reports indicated that damage was also recorded in other Colombian cities, including Cali and Manizales.
Earthquake felt in Bogotá and Venezuela
The earthquake was felt in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, but Mayor Carlos Galán said there was no major damage reported in the city.
Residents in Venezuela’s western state of Táchira and the central-western city of Barquisimeto also reported feeling the powerful tremor.
No tsunami warning issued
Despite the earthquake’s strength, the US tsunami warning system reported no tsunami threat following the seismic event.
Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said it was coordinating with local authorities to verify reports of damage and assess the impact of the earthquake.
Authorities have warned residents to remain alert for potential aftershocks as emergency teams continue inspections of affected areas.
