7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Western Colombia

A powerful earthquake registering 7.4 on the Richter scale struck western Colombia, causing widespread devastation in major cities, including Cali and Pereira. Reports indicate that over 100 fatalities have been confirmed, with devastating damage to buildings and infrastructure.

The quake, which struck at 7:34 AM local time on Monday, was centered in the Chocó department and was felt as far away as Venezuela, still recovering from its own recent tremors. As of Monday afternoon, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities reported that at least 132 people had lost their lives, with more than 570 injuries recorded.

In a national address, President Abelardo de la Espriella announced that the national government was mobilizing all available resources to aid affected communities. “The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble,” he declared, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance in the hard-hit areas.

The extent of the damage is still being evaluated, but initial reports indicate that the Valle del Cauca department experienced 27 deaths, while Pereira reported 40. Manizales, another impacted city, saw at least two fatalities. Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas Giraldo of Manizales described the scene as tragic, with 12 buildings and 20 homes either partially or completely destroyed.

Social media footage displayed the urgency of rescue operations, with scenes of individuals scouring the rubble of a collapsed four-storey hotel in Cali, while another clip captured a building crumbling in Manizales.

Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali confirmed that at least 20 buildings had collapsed, urging residents to remain calm as emergency services began mapping the damage for rescue efforts. He warned citizens to assess their buildings for any significant structural damage.

In Pereira, Mayor Mauricio Salazar reported that 65 buildings had fallen, with at least 15 of those having people trapped inside. Five hospitals in Pereira have reportedly been overwhelmed with earthquake-related injuries.

Raúl Andrés Buitrago, a local business owner in Pereira, recounted the moment the seismic alert went off on his watch. “There are often little tremors here,” he explained. “But I’d never felt an earthquake like this. The panic was terrible.”

In the wake of the disaster, De la Espriella visited Quibdó, where he promised assistance for those displaced, including rent subsidies for families who lost their homes. Authorities have also imposed curfews in Cali, Armenia, and Manizales to prevent any potential looting. The mayor of Cali announced that extra police and military personnel would be deployed to secure the streets.

The quake’s impact on transportation has also been significant; aviation authorities have reported damage to airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, and other affected regions.

This latest earthquake follows a series of seismic events in the region, including twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela’s northern coast on June 24, leading to an extensive loss of life there. As the situation develops, international support is being mobilized, with the U.S. Secretary of State announcing a commitment of $15.5 million in emergency aid for Colombia.