A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale shook western Colombia early Monday morning, causing widespread panic and destruction across several cities and even impacting neighboring countries. This seismic event marks one of the most significant earthquakes to hit Colombia in a decade.
Widespread Destruction and Casualties
According to the U.S. Geological Survey and Colombia’s Geological Institute, the quake’s epicenter was located near the town of San José del Palmar in the Chocó department at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers. While the earthquake’s depth helped mitigate immediate surface destruction in some areas, its intensity has led to catastrophic consequences.
Initial reports from Colombian authorities indicate that at least 20 people have lost their lives, with dozens more injured. The casualty numbers are expected to rise as rescue teams continue their search operations.
Impact on Urban Areas
In Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, the mayor confirmed that at least 20 buildings had collapsed, trapping many residents beneath the rubble. Authorities have issued urgent appeals for support and the deployment of rescue teams from Bogotá and Medellín to assist in managing the collapsed structures.
The shaking lasted between 30 to 60 seconds and was felt in major cities including the capital, Bogotá, as well as Medellín, Bucaramanga, and Pereira. This prompted thousands of residents to evacuate their homes and government buildings amid widespread panic.
Regional Ramifications
The quake’s effects were not confined to Colombia; residents in neighboring countries like Panama and parts of Venezuela also reported feeling the tremors, illustrating the broad geographical impact of the earthquake. It was followed by a series of aftershocks measuring between 2.8 and 4.8 in magnitude.
In terms of infrastructure, Colombia’s civil aviation authority temporarily suspended operations at several key regional airports, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, to ensure the safety of control towers, runways, and facilities.
Emergency Response Measures
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management activated emergency protocols and command rooms nationwide, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution. They advised residents to inspect their homes for structural cracks and to steer clear of damaged buildings to avoid the risks associated with potential aftershocks.
