Earthquake in Colombia kills 132 and wounds more than 570; declare national disaster

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck central and western parts of Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 132 people dead and over 570 injured. The disaster has prompted the government to declare a national emergency, with authorities working around the clock to rescue survivors and assess damage across multiple cities. The quake, which occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time (12:34 p.m. GMT), had its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, approximately 103 kilometers beneath the surface. The tremors were felt in major cities including Bogotá, Cali, Popayán, Manizales, Armenia, Pereira, Medellín, and others, as well as neighboring countries such as Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. In Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities, at least 60 people lost their lives, according to a partial tally released by the Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales). However, this figure does not include casualties in surrounding towns and villages, where buildings collapsed and hospitals were overwhelmed. The president, Abelardo De la Espriella, who took office just three days prior, declared a “national disaster” following the quake. He established a Unified Command Post in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, to coordinate relief efforts. During his visit to the region, he met with local officials and expressed deep concern for the affected communities. “The Chocó has a special place in my heart because it has been a neglected department,” he stated, vowing to hold a regional meeting with his entire administration to evaluate the needs of impacted municipalities. From the command post, De la Espriella confirmed that 13 people died in Chocó, with 119 injured and five missing. He assured citizens that financial resources were already available to support victims and emphasized that the state was fully mobilized to assist those in need. In Pereira, search-and-rescue teams continue operations in several critical locations, attempting to locate individuals trapped under rubble. Local authorities have imposed curfews to prevent looting and ensure public safety. The city’s mayor, Mauricio Salazar, implemented a nighttime curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time, aiming to protect commercial areas from potential unrest. Meanwhile, the international Matecaña Airport remains closed due to structural damage, while emergency crews work to free individuals stranded on the Megacable, a public cable car system in the city. In Cali, the municipal government announced a similar curfew, extending from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., alongside military presence to deter looting and aid recovery efforts. Across the country, infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, with hospitals flooded, airports shut down, and transportation systems disrupted. Public services and utilities remain under strain, requiring immediate attention from both local and national agencies. The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with ongoing assessments of the extent of destruction and the long-term impact on communities. Authorities are urging residents to stay informed through official channels and follow guidelines to ensure personal safety during the crisis.