A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people and causing widespread destruction, authorities said. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to recover bodies from collapsed buildings.
What Happened
The earthquake’s epicenter was near San Jose del Palmar in Choco province, according to Colombia’s geological authorities. The tremors were felt across several major cities, including Cali, Pereira, Manizales and the capital Bogota.
The strongest damage occurred in various areas of western Colombia. In Cali, multiple buildings sustained severe damage, while Pereira reported significant casualties. In Manizales, a section of a historic cathedral collapsed as a result of the earthquake.
Casualties and Damage
A rescue agency spokesperson confirmed that more than 110 people had died in the earthquake, with dozens still trapped under debris. Bodies continue to be recovered from the rubble of collapsed buildings as rescue operations progress.
Authorities have warned that the final death toll could be higher once rescue operations are complete and damage assessments are conducted in remote areas.
Response and Rescue Operations
Colombian authorities have launched search and rescue operations, deploying emergency teams to affected areas. The search for people trapped under debris is ongoing, while damage assessments are being conducted on buildings, roads, electricity infrastructure and other critical facilities.
In several areas, residents were instructed to evacuate buildings as a precaution. Multiple airports in the western region temporarily suspended flights to allow for safety inspections of runways, terminals and other installations.
Impact on Capital and Neighboring Countries
Tremors were felt in the capital Bogota, where people evacuated buildings as a precaution. However, no widespread damage was reported in the city. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Ecuador.
Aftershocks and Warnings
According to Colombia’s geological authorities, this is one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit the country in the past decade. Aftershocks have been recorded following the initial tremor, prompting authorities to advise citizens to remain cautious due to the risk of further tremors.
What’s Next
Authorities have stated that the full picture of human and material losses will become clearer once rescue operations are complete and detailed assessments of damage in remote areas are conducted. Recovery efforts are expected to continue for days as teams work to reach all affected communities.
Conclusion
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake has caused devastating loss of life and widespread destruction across western Colombia. As rescue teams work tirelessly to find survivors and recover bodies, the nation faces a long and difficult recovery process.
