A 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia, resulting in the deaths of at least 111 individuals. Numerous buildings were destroyed, leaving people trapped under debris. Rescue efforts were underway in Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia, with volunteers sifting through rubble. The devastation extended to other cities like Pereira, Quibdo, and Manizales, while the impact was felt in neighboring countries like Ecuador and Panama. The earthquake’s epicenter was in San José del Palmar, a community in the Choco region, about 400 kilometers west of Bogota.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella reported around 87 injuries and damage to approximately 1,600 buildings, with at least 61 collapsing entirely. An emergency was declared to expedite funding for recovery efforts, and the president vowed to visit the affected areas to provide support.
The earthquake was the strongest recorded in Colombia in the 21st century, followed by 21 aftershocks. The region near the epicenter is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismic zone known for frequent earthquakes. Choco, a poverty-stricken area in dense jungle, faces challenges due to its remote location, accessible mainly by boat or plane.
The death toll included individuals from various regions, with significant casualties in Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, and Choco. The earthquakes triggered memories of the recent devastating quakes in Venezuela, prompting families to report missing loved ones in databases.
Residents described the terrifying experience of buildings collapsing in cities like Cali and Pereira. The extent of damage in Choco remained unknown due to communication disruptions. Local authorities reported injured individuals and damaged structures, emphasizing the difficulties of assessing the situation in remote areas.
In Pereira, the airport suffered damage, with reports of collapsed buildings and panicked residents. The mayor of Manizales urged caution following the collapse of a cathedral tower. Flight operations were suspended at several airports for damage evaluations.
While small tremors are common in Colombia, powerful earthquakes are rare. The recent disaster poses a significant challenge for President de la Espriella, who assured the public of government support. International aid pledges, including $15.5 million from the U.S., and offers of assistance from neighboring countries like El Salvador, Mexico, and Chile, underscore the solidarity in responding to the crisis.