Buildings collapse as major quake rocks Colombia and neighbors

A major earthquake struck Colombia and surrounding Latin American nations on Monday, prompting urgent medical assistance for victims as buildings sustained damage or collapsed. The Colombian Geological Service and the US Geological Survey initially reported a magnitude of 7.4, though Colombia later revised the figure to 6.6. Officials expressed no concern for a tsunami, despite the tremor being felt in Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.

Evacuations of buildings took place in Bogota, with footage showing collapsed structures throughout Colombia. In the city of Cali, at least 20 buildings crumbled, leaving residents trapped, according to the mayor. In Choco province, officials reported injuries and substantial destruction in the capital Quibdo, captured in video footage.

The power grid and cellular networks were down across the region, and strong quakes collapsed objects inside homes. Martha Estrada, a 66-year-old resident of the coffee-growing area, described objects falling within her residence. Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali reported significant damage being assessed via drone technology. Six small airports in the western part of Colombia suspended operations, according to the civil aeronautics agency.

Bogota Mayor Carlos Galan stated that damage in the capital was primarily limited to cracked walls and structures. President Abelardo de la Espriella pledged to travel to the affected areas. News outlets captured footage of dual earthquakes in Venezuela, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, which claimed over 6,000 lives and caused extensive property damage.