A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, killing at least 132 people and injuring more than 570 others, in what officials describe as the country’s strongest earthquake in a decade.
The quake hit at approximately 07:34 local time (12:34 GMT) at a depth of 103 km (64 miles), with its epicenter located near the village of San José del Palmar in Chocó province, according to Colombia’s geological service. Tremors were felt across an enormous area stretching hundreds of miles, including the capital Bogotá.
Casualties and Damage
The death toll has risen steadily as rescue operations continue, and authorities warn the figure is likely to increase further. The hardest-hit areas include:
- Pereira — 60 confirmed deaths, with at least 65 buildings collapsed in the metropolitan area; people are believed to be trapped in 15 of them.
- Cali — 15 deaths, with 32 buildings collapsed.
- Additional fatalities reported in Manizales, Quibdó, Medellín, and across the Chocó and Valle del Cauca regions.
More than 1,575 homes and 61 buildings have been damaged across western Colombia, with many feared trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams are working through collapsed structures as loved ones await news of missing relatives.
Government Response
Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just days ago, has declared a national disaster situation, granting special powers to reallocate budgets and expedite the emergency response. He pledged to make « utmost efforts » to deal with the disaster and said he would visit the affected zone.
International Support
International assistance has begun to arrive:
- The United States said it is « closely monitoring » the situation and stands ready to support.
- The European Union has activated its Copernicus satellite system to aid rescue operations.
- El Salvador has offered personnel and equipment for rescue efforts.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing across multiple cities, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura. Emergency crews continue to comb through debris as the full scale of the destruction becomes clearer.