Powerful 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Colombia, Causing Serious Damage and Injuries

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, causing serious structural damage and injuries in several areas as emergency teams begin assessing the full impact of the tremor. The earthquake struck on Monday, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, at a depth of about 107 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey. The tremor was felt across a wide area, including major cities such as Bogotá, Cali and Pereira, as well as parts of neighbouring Venezuela and Ecuador.

Authorities in Chocó reported injuries and significant damage to buildings in Quibdó, the department’s capital. Emergency services have been deployed to affected communities as officials assess damaged structures and respond to reports of people requiring medical assistance.

In Pereira, authorities also reported injuries and serious structural damage. The earthquake caused widespread alarm, with residents leaving buildings and gathering outside as the ground shook. Reports from other cities indicated damaged or collapsed structures, while officials continued checking buildings for people who may have become trapped.

The tremor was also strongly felt in Bogotá, prompting people in several buildings to evacuate as a precaution. However, the city’s mayor said there were initially no reports of major structural damage or injuries in the capital.

The earthquake also caused damage in Manizales, where part of a neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed, while authorities in Cali reported damage to buildings and ongoing emergency assessments. The scale of the damage remains unclear as rescue and inspection operations continue.

Colombian authorities have warned of the possibility of aftershocks and are working with local governments and disaster-response agencies to determine the extent of the destruction. President Abelardo de la Espriella has announced plans to oversee the recovery response and establish an emergency coordination centre near the earthquake’s epicentre.

Despite the strength of the earthquake, the US tsunami warning system said there was no tsunami threat associated with the tremor. Authorities are nevertheless urging residents in affected areas to remain cautious and avoid entering damaged buildings until they have been declared safe.

The earthquake comes only weeks after devastating earthquakes struck neighbouring Venezuela, raising concerns about seismic activity across the wider region. Colombia is prone to earthquakes, although tremors exceeding magnitude 6 are relatively uncommon.

Emergency officials are expected to provide further updates as damage assessments continue. The number of casualties and the extent of infrastructure damage could change as rescue teams reach more affected communities and inspect buildings across the region.