Colombia Earthquake Today: At Least 29 Dead After Magnitude 7.4 Quake

Earthquake today At least 29 people have died following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday at 07:34 local time (12:34 GMT). The earthquake’s epicentre was located in San José del Palmar, within the Chocó region, and occurred at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers (66 miles). Initial reports from local officials indicated at least 26 fatalities.

According to the US Geological Survey, significant casualties and damage were anticipated as the earthquake was also felt in neighboring countries, including Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. As emergency teams mobilized to assist victims and search for survivors amid the devastation, eyewitness accounts described shocked residents assessing the destruction of buildings in their communities. Earthquake Today

The earthquake struck in the early morning, with its epicenter located in San José del Palmar, within the Chocó department of northwestern Colombia, approximately 280 kilometers (173 miles) west of Bogotá. The tremor was acutely felt in Bogotá, leading to the sounding of alarms and crowds evacuating to the streets for safety. Earthquake Today

The governor of Chocó reported injuries and significant damage to structures in the regional capital of Quibdó. In response to the disaster, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who had just assumed office, called an emergency committee to manage the aftermath and address the damage caused.

The quake was also perceptible in neighboring countries, including Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela, which had recently experienced its own earthquake in late June. Although news footage displayed numerous collapsed buildings across western Colombia, officials have reassured that there is no tsunami threat associated with this event.

Where did the quake take place?

The earthquake’s epicentre is located in western Colombia, positioned approximately midway between the two cities of Cali and Medellín. Reports indicate that residents across the entire country, as well as in the surrounding region, felt the tremors resulting from this seismic event.

World leaders pledge support for Colombia in wake of earthquake

World leaders have expressed their support for Colombia following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that resulted in numerous fatalities and widespread displacement. The United States, represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced that the Trump Administration is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to assist Colombia and its leadership. Earthquake Today

In Venezuela, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado extended solidarity and prayers, highlighting the significance of international support during such tragedies. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele offered immediate assistance through rescue teams, medical personnel, and supplies. Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised nationals in Colombia to follow local authorities and consult official sources. Portugal’s officials shared heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wished for a swift recovery for the injured. Earthquake Today

Additionally, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed solidarity with the Colombian populace and stated that he is in close coordination with the Italian embassy in Bogotá. This international response underscores a collective commitment to aid Colombia in its time of need. Earthquake Today

US government ‘ready to support’ Colombia after earthquake – Rubio

According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the United States government is actively “closely monitoring” the recent earthquake in Colombia and is “ready to support” the affected regions. Rubio has urged US citizens residing in Colombia to register their presence online with the US State Department and to utilize official channels for the most current updates and information regarding the situation.
Hospitals in city of Cali damaged by quake. Earthquake Today

Hospitals in city of Cali damaged by quake

The city of Cali, situated approximately 200 km (130 miles) southwest of Manizales, has experienced significant destruction due to a recent earthquake. Reports and videos emerging from the area vividly illustrate the extent of the damage inflicted by the quake. One noteworthy video, captured from elevated hills overlooking Cali, reveals vast clouds of dust and debris that have been displaced across the western part of the city.

Another video highlights the catastrophic collapse of the façade of an EPS Sanitas building, a healthcare provider in Colombia, as it crumbled onto ambulances parked on a busy street, further complicating the crisis. Additionally, footage indicates that five out of six storeys of a wing of the Valle Evaristo Garcia university hospital have also collapsed, raising urgent concerns about the safety and operational capacity of medical facilities in the aftermath of this disaster. Earthquake Today

The overall damage underscores the quake’s severe impact on both infrastructure and healthcare services in the region. Earthquake Today

Death toll rises to 26, including three children killed by wall collapse

The death toll in the recent incidents in Valle del Cauca has risen to 26, including three children who were tragically killed due to a wall collapse in the municipality of Calima El Darién. Governor Dilian Francisca Toro confirmed the fatalities, highlighting the dire situation while addressing the media from Valle University Hospital. Earthquake Today

Additionally, reports from the mayor of Buenaventura, another city in the same department, indicated at least one more death and noted the occurrence of collapsed bridges. The five fatalities reported in Valle add to the earlier deaths of three individuals in Manizales and 18 in Pereira, underscoring the severity of the situation across multiple municipalities impacted by the disaster.

Damage seen across city of Manizales, including building collapse

Damage in Manizales, Colombia, has been severe following an earthquake, as verified by two clips authenticated by BBC Verify. The footage depicts significant destruction, particularly on the western side of the city where buildings, including the clocktower of the Cathedral Basilica, have been visibly compromised and are leaning precariously. Earthquake Today

On the eastern side, a dramatic incident is captured in a video showing a five-storey building collapsing while evacuations take place at the nearby Catholic University, illustrating the urgency and peril surrounding the event. The overall scene reflects a city grappling with the aftermath of the earthquake, marked by both structural failures and the hurried response of its residents. Earthquake Today

Earthquake epicentre in San Jose del Palmar – USGS

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has published a shake map for a significant earthquake measuring 7.4 in magnitude that affected western Colombia. The earthquake’s epicenter was located 107 kilometers (66 miles) deep beneath San Jose del Palmar, which is situated in the Chocó region of the country. The seismic event resulted in “strong” to “very strong” shaking felt across a broader area beyond the immediate vicinity of the epicenter, indicating the widespread impact of the quake.

Colombia has experienced deadly quakes in the past

Colombia is situated at the confluence of multiple tectonic plates, which predisposes it to significant seismic activity and recurrent strong earthquakes. The most intense earthquakes typically occur along subduction zones located near the coastline and have the potential to trigger minor tsunamis that can exacerbate the destruction.

Since 1950, Colombia has faced the tragic loss of over 3,500 lives due to earthquake-related incidents. The most catastrophic event occurred in 1999, when a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck regions including Armenia, Calarca, Pereira, Caldas, and Huila, resulting in the deaths of 1,185 individuals. In more recent memory, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit Cundinamarca last year; fortunately, it did not result in any fatalities.