A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck western Colombia early Monday, killing at least 73 people and causing widespread destruction in cities including Cali, Pereira, and Manizales.
The epicenter was located on the eastern edge of Choco province on Colombia's Pacific coast. The quake was felt across the western half of the country, with tremors also reported in neighboring Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.
Cali's mayor, Alejandro Eder, reported that at least 20 buildings collapsed in the city, trapping residents. He requested rescue personnel from the mayors of Bogota and Medellin, stating, "Residents of Cali, we currently have at least 20 collapsed structures in the city with people trapped inside; we are already managing this emergency alongside all of Cali's rescue agencies."
Authorities in Valle del Cauca, where Cali is the capital, confirmed at least 27 deaths. In Risaralda, officials reported 40 fatalities, including 18 in Pereira. The mayor of Manizales, Jorge Eduardo Rojas, said two people died in his city.
Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi, governor of Choco, reported four deaths and 69 injuries in her region. Colombia's civil aviation authority reported damage at six airports, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, and suspended flights pending structural assessments.
Newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella said he personally took charge of the government's response in San Jose del Palmar. "You are not alone. The state is present and taking action," he said.
The US Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 7.4, with a depth of about 107 kilometers. A significant aftershock of magnitude 5.0 was recorded less than an hour later.
The quake occurred near the Tatama National Nature Reserve, close to the boundary of Choco and Risaralda. The region lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to free survivors from collapsed buildings, and emergency services are assessing the full extent of the damage. The death toll is expected to rise as search operations continue.
Source: www.dw.com