A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, triggering evacuations, collapsing buildings and leaving at least 20 people dead as rescue crews searched damaged structures for survivors.
The earthquake was centered near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó region, roughly 250 miles west of Bogotá. The powerful shaking was felt across a wide area, including Bogotá and other major cities, with tremors also reported in neighboring Ecuador and Venezuela.
Pereira was among the hardest-hit cities, where 18 people were reported dead. Two additional fatalities were reported in Manizales, where buildings were damaged and part of a cathedral was affected.
Cali also suffered significant structural damage, with at least 19 to 20 buildings reported collapsed. Emergency crews were working to reach people who may have been trapped beneath the rubble.
In Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, injuries and damage to infrastructure were reported. Authorities across affected areas began evacuations and warned residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks.
The earthquake also disrupted transportation, with several airports temporarily suspending operations while authorities inspected facilities for damage. Officials reported impacts across multiple departments as emergency teams assessed the extent of the destruction.
The scale of the disaster remained fluid as rescue and assessment operations continued. Officials warned that casualty figures could change as emergency responders reach more affected areas and inspect damaged buildings.
Colombian authorities have mobilized emergency personnel to assist communities affected by the earthquake, while government officials coordinate rescue, medical and recovery operations.
The devastating quake has become one of Colombia’s most serious seismic events in recent years, leaving communities across the western part of the country facing a major emergency.
