Understanding the recent earthquake in Colombia

On Tuesday, rescuers and volunteers scrambled through collapsed buildings in western Colombia following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the region on Monday. The death toll from the disaster rose to 169, with 668 people injured, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities. The quake's epicenter was near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, an area known for its poverty and isolation.

Major cities like Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, and Buenaventura bore the brunt of the destruction. Cali alone reported 85 deaths, while Pereira accounted for 66. However, the exact toll remains uncertain due to the inclusion of rural communities in the initial figures. Over 3,000 people are missing, many feared trapped under collapsed structures.

Around 1,600 buildings were damaged or destroyed across the affected areas. Emergency teams, including soldiers and civilians, worked tirelessly to clear debris, forming lines to pass concrete chunks by hand. The cities of Pereira, Cali, Quibdo, and Manizales remained on red alert due to the extensive damage. Infrastructure such as hospitals, airports, public utilities, and transport systems suffered significant harm, complicating rescue efforts.

The earthquake's unusual depth of around 100 kilometers amplified seismic waves through local geological formations, intensifying the shaking and building damage. International aid poured in, with the United States pledging $15.5 million and the European Union deploying resources through its Copernicus satellite service and the German Red Cross.

This complex event, driven by the quake's depth, magnitude, and local geological effects, demanded thorough investigation.