Deadly Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Rocks Western Colombia

A devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, resulting in at least 26 fatalities and significant structural damage. The quake, which occurred at 7:34 AM local time at a depth of 107 kilometers, hit the Chocó region and sent strong tremors across Colombia, as well as into neighboring Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.

Authorities have reported collapsed buildings, damaged roads and bridges, and individuals trapped beneath rubble. In the Valle del Cauca department, three children died in Calima El Darién due to a wall collapse, and another fatality was recorded in Zarzal. The mayor of Buenaventura also confirmed at least one death and bridge collapses in the area.

Additional deaths were reported in Manizales and Pereira, contributing to the grim toll. The city of Cali experienced the collapse of at least 20 buildings, with reports of people trapped inside. Mayor Alejandro Eder urged residents to evacuate buildings showing significant cracks and requested additional rescue teams.

The town of San José del Palmar, nearest to the epicentre, has been cut off due to damaged roads, though no casualties were reported there. However, at least five homes were destroyed and many more damaged.

International assistance has been offered, with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa ready to deploy a specialized search and rescue team. Bogotá’s mayor has also placed emergency response capabilities at the disposal of affected regions. The United States is monitoring the situation and prepared to offer support.

Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management confirmed there is no tsunami threat along the Pacific coast. The country is highly susceptible to seismic activity due to its location on several tectonic plates, with a history of deadly earthquakes.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/362410/at-least-26-dead-in-colombia-after-magnitude-74-earthquake