‘7.4 지진’ 콜롬비아 사망 111명으로 늘어…건물·주택 1500채 피해

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, resulting in 111 deaths and 87 injuries, according to government reports. This is the strongest earthquake to hit the country this century, putting President Iván Duque Márquez's leadership to the test. The Colombian National Geological Survey (INGEOMINAS) stated that the quake occurred at a depth of 107 kilometers, located 400 kilometers west of the capital Bogotá in the town of Santa María del Puerto in the Chocó region.

Colombia's poorest region, Chocó, has limited access, primarily by boat or plane, making it difficult for authorities to assess the full extent of the damage. Over 40 deaths were reported in Risale, a coffee-growing area. Notably, the Neo-Gothic style cathedral in Manizales suffered a collapsed side tower, and airport roofs were damaged, causing passengers to fall outside.

Colombian President Duque declared a state of emergency, pledging all available resources to rescue people trapped under rubble and provide aid to affected communities. The US Geological Survey noted that the quake's deep origin may have amplified its impact due to the horizontal dislocation of tectonic layers.

As of the late evening, INGEOMINAS recorded 21 aftershocks, warning of further tremors. The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority halted flights at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quindío, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura for safety checks. Colombia has experienced significant earthquakes before, including a 6.2 magnitude quake in 1999 that killed over 1000 people. Notably, coffee-growing regions have been affected in the past.