Bogotá: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, causing extensive damage across several cities and killing more than 100 people. The death toll has continued to rise as rescue teams search damaged and collapsed buildings for survivors.
The earthquake was centered near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, around 400 kilometres west of the capital, Bogotá. According to geological authorities, the quake occurred at a depth of approximately 107 kilometres. Strong tremors were felt across a wide area, including parts of neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.
Major Damage Across Western Colombia
Several cities, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales, reported significant damage. Buildings were damaged or collapsed, walls fell onto vehicles and roads were covered with debris.
In Cali, rescue workers and residents searched through the remains of collapsed structures for people who may have been trapped underneath. Hospitals also began evacuating patients and dealing with large numbers of people injured in the earthquake.
Images from the affected areas showed residents gathering outside buildings, damaged vehicles and emergency workers working through piles of rubble.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency response teams have been deployed across the affected regions. Search-and-rescue operations continued as authorities assessed the scale of the destruction and looked for people who remained trapped.
Officials have also warned residents to remain alert because further tremors could occur. The Colombian Geological Service reported that the main earthquake was followed by additional aftershocks.
Colombia Declares Emergency
Newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella said he had taken direct charge of the government’s response to the disaster. The government has been coordinating emergency assistance, rescue operations and relief efforts in the worst-hit areas.
The earthquake is being described as one of the strongest seismic events recorded in Colombia in recent years. The disaster has created a major challenge for authorities as they work to assess infrastructure damage and provide assistance to affected communities.
Aftershocks Add to Concerns
The powerful tremor has heightened fears among residents about additional earthquakes. Authorities have urged people to follow official safety instructions and avoid entering buildings that may have suffered structural damage.
The latest disaster comes in a country where earthquakes are relatively common, particularly in central and western regions. However, earthquakes above magnitude 6 are comparatively rare and can cause serious damage when they strike populated areas.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, authorities are expected to conduct a detailed assessment of casualties, collapsed buildings and damage to critical infrastructure. The full impact of the earthquake may become clearer in the coming days as teams reach remote and heavily affected areas.
