7.4-magnitude quake kills two in Colombia

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, resulting in at least two fatalities and significant damage. The quake's epicenter was near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco province, a sparsely populated area on Colombia's Pacific coast. In Manizales, the town's mayor reported two deaths and substantial building collapse.

Cali, one of the country's largest cities, had at least 20 structures collapse, with rescue teams from Bogota and Medellin dispatched to aid. Quibdo, the provincial capital of Choco, also suffered injuries and extensive damage, and residents were warned about aftershocks. Nearby Pereira, a major coffee-growing region city, reported serious damage to buildings.

Colombia's civil aviation authority suspended flights at airports in several cities, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, and Buenaventura, while inspectors assessed structural damage. The national disaster agency received reports from nine departments and all 32 departmental capitals, triggering evacuations and initial damage assessments.

The geological service upgraded the earthquake's magnitude to 7.4 and noted a depth of 96 km (60 miles). Although there was no tsunami threat, residents in neighboring Venezuela reported feeling the quake.