Colombia Earthquake: At least 111 people were killed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread damage across Quibdó, Pereira, and Cali, and disrupting operations at multiple regional airports. The tremors were felt in the capital city of Bogota, as well as in neighbouring Venezuela and Ecuador.
According to Reuters, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Colombia's national geological service reported a magnitude 7.4 earthquake on Monday. The epicentre was located near San Jose del Palmar, approximately 400 kilometres west of Bogota, at a depth of 96 kilometres (60 miles).
111 Killed, Buildings Collapse, Airports Damaged
A powerful earthquake caused significant damage across western Colombia. In Pereira, the mayor reported 18 deaths, while the mayor of Manizales confirmed two deaths to Blu Radio, according to Reuters. In Cali, 20 buildings collapsed, leaving multiple people trapped, the city's mayor said.
Simultaneously, damage was also reports airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, where air operations were subsequently suspended, Colombia's aviation authority said.
President Espriella To Oversee Recovery Efforts
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said that he will personally oversee recovery efforts and establish an emergency centre in San Jose del Palmar.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Espriella said, "I have directly assumed leadership of the emergency response in San José del Palmar. I have ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the attention to the damages and the affected individuals.I have requested from the director of the UNGRD a detailed report on the situation and the most urgent needs. I will also be personally in Pereira to accompany the affected people and verify the Government's response."
Choco Governor Warns Of Aftershocks
Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi said there were injuries and significant damage in the provincial capital of Quibdo.
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"We have just experienced a major earthquake in the department of Chocó. We are concerned about aftershocks. Although the epicentre was near San José del Palmar, there are injuries and significant damage to buildings in the capital, Quibdó. We are already carrying out a damage assessment and will issue the first official report shortly," Cordoba-Curi said on X.
(With Inputs From PTI)
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