Death toll rises, 20 buildings collapse as 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes Colombia | Top points
The quake caused severe damage across western Colombia, with buildings collapsing and people reportedly trapped inside.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia early Monday morning, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 69 lives. The quake's epicenter was near San José del Palmar in Chocó province, roughly 400 km west of Bogotá. Fearful residents evacuated buildings and rushed into the streets as emergency sirens blared.
In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed that at least 20 structures had collapsed, trapping people inside. Chocó Governor Nubia Córdoba reported that Quibdó, the provincial capital, suffered significant structural damage and recorded injuries. Manizales and Pereira also reported casualties, with Pereira's mayor citing 18 fatalities.
The US Geological Survey and Colombian authorities both recorded the earthquake at 7.4 magnitude, though the Colombian Geological Service initially reported a lower 6.6. The quake's depth was approximately 79 km, deeper than similar quakes in Venezuela earlier this year.
Cali, Armenia, Pereira, and Medellín all reported noticeable damage to buildings and infrastructure. Ecuador and Panama also felt the tremors. Emergency officials are now assessing the extent of the damage and seeking rescue teams for affected areas.
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