Videos and photos of the earthquake in Colombia: the most shocking images of the quake

A powerful earthquake struck Colombia early Monday, shaking major cities including Bogotá and Cali. The tremor, which occurred at 7:34 local time, had a magnitude of 7.4 according to both the Colombian Geological Service and the United States Geological Survey. It originated near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, with an estimated depth of 100 kilometers. The quake was felt strongly in western Colombia and also registered in neighboring countries such as Ecuador and Panama, prompting evacuations in some areas. Initial assessments indicate injuries and significant damage to buildings in several regions, particularly in Chocó. The governor of Chocó, Nubia Carolina Córdoba, confirmed through social media that there were injured individuals and severe structural damage in Quibdó, the capital of the department. She stated that authorities were conducting damage evaluations to issue an official report soon. In Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia, Mayor Alejandro Eder reported serious impacts being monitored using drones. He mentioned at least 19 collapsed structures with people trapped inside. Meanwhile, in Bogotá, buildings were evacuated following the quake, with many residents emerging onto the streets wearing pajamas amid the sound of sirens. Local media footage showed collapsed homes in cities such as Pereira and Manizales in the popular coffee-growing region known as the Eje Cafetero. Martha Estrada, a 66-year-old resident of the area, described the experience as extremely intense, noting that electricity and cellular networks were down after the quake. The earthquake was also felt in Quito, Ecuador, and parts of Panama, where hospitals were evacuated. In Panama, authorities assessed damages in the remote Darién region along the border. The tremor did not trigger a tsunami warning, according to disaster response agencies. This quake follows another significant seismic event on June 24, when double earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 caused more than 6,000 deaths and widespread destruction in neighboring Venezuela. President Abelardo de la Espriella announced he would travel to the Eje Cafetero region to assess the situation firsthand. He stated he would personally visit Pereira to support affected communities and evaluate the government's response. Reports indicated that while some areas suffered extensive damage, others saw only minor effects. In Bogotá, Mayor Carlos Galán noted only superficial cracks in certain houses and buildings. However, in Quibdó, the damage was more severe, with officials emphasizing concerns over potential aftershocks. Residents in various parts of the country expressed fear and uncertainty, with many fleeing their homes due to the intensity of the shaking. Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos capturing the aftermath of the quake, highlighting the scale of the devastation in affected areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with ongoing efforts to assess damage and provide assistance to those impacted by the earthquake.