A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday, killing at least 111 people and collapsing dozens of buildings across multiple regions. The quake hit near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, approximately 240 kilometers west of Bogotá, at a depth of 107 kilometers around 7:34 a.m. local time. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the location and timing of the seismic event, which sent shockwaves through several major cities and caused widespread destruction. The earthquake left at least 30 buildings collapsed in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, trapping people under the rubble. Mayor Alejandro Eder urged residents to inspect their surroundings for signs of structural damage and to evacuate immediately if large cracks appeared. In Cali, several patients remained trapped beneath the debris of a partially collapsed hospital, prompting emergency services to focus on rescuing those still buried. Local officials reported that multiple health facilities had been forced to close due to structural concerns. President Abelardo De la Espriella, who assumed office just days prior, declared a state of national disaster to facilitate the allocation of additional resources to the hardest-hit areas. According to the president, hundreds of homes and buildings had collapsed, with dozens more people injured. The declaration aims to streamline relief efforts and coordinate aid distribution among the affected communities. The quake's impact extended beyond Cali, affecting several other regions including Valle del Cauca, Caldas, Antioquia, and Chocó. Authorities noted that the Risaralda region alone accounted for numerous fatalities. Damage was also reported at airports in six cities, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, leading to suspended flight operations. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed these disruptions, highlighting the extensive reach of the disaster. In Bogotá, the capital, the tremor was felt strongly enough to trigger building evacuations and alarm systems. Mayor Carlos Galán stated there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant structural damage, though some buildings showed minor cracks. Across the country, over two million people experienced intense shaking, with the USGS warning that poorly constructed structures faced considerable risk of damage. The recent earthquake follows a series of severe seismic events in the region. Weeks earlier, twin earthquakes devastated neighboring Venezuela, resulting in at least 6,300 deaths and displacing nearly 18,000 residents. Some of those quakes were felt in Colombia, particularly in cities such as Zarzal, Pereira, and Armenia. This latest event adds to the growing concern over seismic activity in South America. Regional leaders have pledged to intensify rescue operations, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offering her government’s assistance. Emergency teams continue working tirelessly to locate and extract individuals trapped in the wreckage. As the search and recovery efforts progress, the focus remains on saving lives and stabilizing the affected areas. The USGS estimated a high probability of significant casualties, noting a one-in-three chance that fatalities could exceed 1,000. Despite the grim projections, officials remain committed to providing timely updates and coordinating international support. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing assessments needed to fully understand the extent of the damage and the long-term implications for the affected population.
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