BOGOTA, Aug 10: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 79 people, damaging buildings and leaving residents trapped beneath rubble, while thousands fled their homes amid fears of further tremors.
The epicentre was located near San Jose del Palmar, a community of around 4,800 people in the Choco region, approximately 400 kilometres west of Bogota, according to the US Geological Survey and Colombia’s geological authorities. The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 107 kilometres.
Tremors were felt across several parts of the country, including Pereira, Cali, Quibdo and Manizales. The shaking was also experienced in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama, although authorities there reported limited damage.
Officials said Risaralda recorded at least 40 fatalities, including deaths in and around Pereira, while 27 people were killed in Valle del Cauca, home to the major city of Cali. At least three children were among those who died in Valle del Cauca.
Authorities reported another nine deaths in Choco, two in Caldas and one in Antioquia, involving a 73-year-old resident. Scores of people were injured in different parts of the country.
Emergency workers and residents searched through damaged structures for survivors as concerns grew over possible aftershocks. Colombia’s interior minister said more than 20 municipalities had been affected.
The country’s Pacific region, including Choco, lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area associated with frequent seismic activity. Choco is also among Colombia’s poorest and most geographically isolated regions, with several rural communities accessible mainly by boat or aircraft, complicating rescue and damage assessments.
Strongest Tremor Recorded in Colombia in a Decade
Colombia’s Geological Service described Monday’s earthquake as the strongest recorded in the country during the past decade. Authorities subsequently detected aftershocks measuring 2.8 and 4.8 in magnitude.
The powerful shaking caused panic in several cities. Jorge Moncayo, a 64-year-old taxi driver in Cali, said he watched clouds of dust rise as structures were damaged.
“My entire house shook. I’ve never lived through such a powerful earthquake,” he said, expressing relief that he and his family survived.
Air services were disrupted following the disaster, with flights suspended at airports serving Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura and Pereira.
In Pereira, local media footage showed sections of the airport ceiling collapsing as frightened passengers sought shelter. Residents were also seen moving through debris as emergency personnel began rescue operations.
Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar said numerous people were believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures and reported a significant number of casualties in the city.
In Manizales, part of the neo-Gothic cathedral’s tower collapsed onto the nave. Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas urged residents to remain outdoors because of the possibility of additional tremors.
Choco, where the earthquake originated, also reported injuries and structural damage. However, authorities said the full extent of the destruction remained unclear because of difficulties reaching some remote communities.
In Cali, a city of roughly two million people, Mayor Alejandro Eder said residents were trapped inside at least 19 collapsed buildings as rescue teams worked to reach them.
Earthquake Triggers Widespread Emergency Response
Although tremors are relatively common in central and western Colombia, earthquakes exceeding magnitude 6 are unusual. A 6.2-magnitude earthquake near Armenia in 1999 killed more than 1,100 people and caused widespread destruction.
The latest disaster marked the first major emergency faced by newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella, who said he had taken direct control of the government’s response in San Jose del Palmar.
“You are not alone. The state is present and taking action,” he said.
The earthquake prompted solidarity from governments across the Americas. Leaders and officials from Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador and the United States expressed support for Colombia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration was closely monitoring the situation and was prepared to assist Colombia if required.
Several countries offered help, while UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said the organisation was ready to provide assistance according to Colombia’s needs.
Rescue operations continued across the affected regions as authorities assessed damage, searched collapsed structures and monitored the situation for further seismic activity.