At Least 132 Killed as Powerful 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Colombia
Colombia has declared a state of emergency after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the western part of the country, killing at least 132 people and injuring more than 570 others.
Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise significantly as emergency teams continue searching collapsed buildings for survivors and victims believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.
The earthquake struck at about 07:34 local time (12:34 GMT) at a depth of approximately 103 kilometres (64 miles), according to Colombia’s geological service. The powerful tremor was felt across a vast area of western Colombia and caused widespread damage to buildings, roads and infrastructure.
Pereira among the worst-hit cities
One of the areas most severely affected was Pereira, a major city in Colombia’s coffee-growing region, located about 55 kilometres (34 miles) from the earthquake’s epicentre.
Local authorities said at least 67 people had died in Pereira’s metropolitan area, while approximately 65 buildings collapsed. Rescue officials believe people may still be trapped inside at least 15 of the damaged structures.
Dramatic footage from the city showed buildings shaking violently before at least one structure collapsed in Plaza Bolívar, Pereira’s main square. Debris and thick clouds of dust were seen spreading across the area as residents fled to safety.
Authorities have imposed a curfew in parts of Pereira, with restrictions remaining in place until 05:00 local time on Tuesday as rescue and emergency operations continue.
Epicentre near San José del Palmar
The epicentre was located near San José del Palmar, in Chocó province.
Despite being closest to the epicentre, the village reportedly avoided fatalities and serious injuries. Mayor León Fabio Marín Moncada described the situation as remarkable, although access roads leading into and out of the community were damaged by the earthquake.
Emergency responders have faced difficulties reaching some affected communities because of damaged roads and infrastructure.
Hundreds injured across the country
Colombia’s Association of Capital Cities reported that at least 570 people had been injured in the earthquake and its subsequent tremors.
Deaths and injuries have been reported across several cities and regions, including Manizales, Quibdó, Medellín and areas of Chocó and Valle del Cauca.
At least two people were confirmed dead in Manizales.
Angélica Ávila, who was staying at a hotel in Manizales when the earthquake struck, described a terrifying experience.
She said cracks suddenly appeared in the walls as people screamed and rushed to safety. Dust poured from neighbouring buildings while bricks fell from walls.
Journalist and meteorologist Luis Felipe Molina, who lives in Manizales, said his building survived the powerful shaking partly because the city has strict seismic-resistant construction regulations following previous earthquakes.
Despite the building remaining structurally intact, the force of the quake was strong enough to send books flying from shelves and shatter glass.
“You could hear glass breaking and people screaming,” Molina said, describing the experience as terrifying.
Buildings damaged in Cali
The earthquake also caused substantial damage in Cali, approximately 160 kilometres south of Pereira and around 200 kilometres from the epicentre.
Authorities reported that at least 32 buildings collapsed in the city.
Residents described being abruptly awakened by the powerful shaking.
British traveller Dan Cutler, who has been in Colombia for about two months, said he and his partner immediately ran outside after the earthquake woke them.
“We sprinted outside in our pyjamas,” he said, adding that although their hotel did not suffer major structural damage, cracks appeared in the walls and paint and plaster fell away.
Airports and infrastructure affected
Colombia’s aviation authorities reported damage at several regional airports, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura.
The damage has raised concerns about transportation and access for emergency services as rescue teams attempt to reach communities affected by the earthquake.
In the capital, Bogotá, hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre, residents reported feeling the powerful tremor. Trees and traffic lights shook violently, while cracks were reported in some buildings.
However, authorities have not reported major damage to Bogotá’s critical infrastructure.
The earthquake was also felt outside Colombia, with tremors reported in neighbouring Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama.
Rescue operations continue
Emergency crews, police officers, firefighters and volunteers are continuing to search damaged buildings for survivors.
The authorities have warned residents to remain cautious because damaged structures could collapse without warning, while further tremors could create additional hazards.
With dozens of buildings already reported collapsed and hundreds of people injured, rescue workers are racing against time to locate anyone who may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The Colombian government has activated emergency response measures and declared a state of emergency in affected areas to coordinate rescue operations, provide medical assistance and assess the extent of the destruction.
The earthquake is already being described as one of Colombia’s most significant seismic disasters in years.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates on casualties, structural damage and rescue operations as teams gain access to the hardest-hit areas.