At least 20 dead after 7.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Colombia – latest news
More than a dozen buildings collapsed in aftermath of earthquake, which has also prompted evacuations The death toll after a strong earthquake that rocked western Colombia has risen to at least 20, authorities said. In the town of Pereira, 18 people were killed and others were trapped in buildings that collapsed, mayor Mauricio Salazar told Caracol Radio. Continue reading...
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing significant destruction and prompting evacuations. The epicenter was located in San Jose Del Palmar, a municipality in the Choco region, approximately 250 miles west of Colombia's capital, Bogota. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake hit at a depth of 66 miles.
In Cali, the city's mayor, Alejandro Eder, reported that at least 20 buildings had collapsed, with people trapped inside. The city has called upon teams from Bogota and Medellin to assist with rescue efforts. Choco governor Nubia Córdoba confirmed injuries and serious damage to buildings in the regional capital, without providing further details.
The earthquake follows two major 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes in Venezuela in late June, which destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed over 5,000 people. In Cali, residents described the shaking as unprecedented, likening it to an earthquake they had never experienced before. Mayor Mauricio Salazar of Pereira confirmed that 18 people had been killed and others were trapped in buildings that collapsed. In Manizales, two deaths were reported, with over 12 buildings and 20 homes damaged or destroyed.
The Colombian president, Abelardo de la Espriella, pledged to personally oversee recovery efforts and establish an emergency center in San Jose del Palmar. Six airports in the affected region have suspended operations due to damage.
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