A strong magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia caused extensive damage and a declaration of national disaster, resulting in at least 132 fatalities.According to Colombia’s geological department, the earthquake occurred in Chocó province on Monday at 7:34 a.m. local time at a depth of roughly 103 kilometers.In addition to thousands of citizens being impacted by collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and interrupted infrastructure, over 480 people were injured.Pereira, Cali, Manizales, and portions of Chocó and Valle del Cauca are among the most severely affected areas. Authorities in Pereira alone reported 65 collapsed buildings, at least 40 fatalities, and concerns that people may still be trapped in 15 buildings.
At least 32 buildings collapsed in Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia, while numerous buildings in Manizales also sustained damage. Facilities impacted included airports at Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura.Bogotá locals reported strong shaking and some structure breaches as a result of the earthquake, which was felt hundreds of kilometers distant. Additionally, neighboring Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama experienced tremors.In order to respond to the emergency and reallocate funds, President Abelardo de la Espriella proclaimed a national catastrophe. He claimed that around 1,500 houses had sustained damage.As authorities fear that the death toll may increase, rescue crews are still looking for survivors inside collapsed structures.
Leaders from around the world, including as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have pledged help for the rescue effort and shown sympathy with Colombia.Approximately 1.5 million people reported experiencing tremors near magnitude seven, according to the US Geological Survey. Deep earthquakes can nevertheless release a lot of energy and seriously harm structures, even tho they are typically thot to be less damaging than shallow ones.
