At least 132 killed in Colombia's largest earthquake in years
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, killing at least 132 people, injuring over 480 others, and prompting a national disaster declaration.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Colombia hit by a 7.4-magnitude deep earthquake originating in Chocó province
- Death toll reaches at least 132 with more than 480 injured
- President Abelardo de la Espriella declares a national disaster situation
- Tremors were felt across western Colombia and neighboring countries
Colombia has been struck by one of its most destructive earthquakes in years, leaving at least 132 people dead and triggering a state of emergency. Authorities warn that the death toll will likely climb as rescue operations continue and individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures.
According to the country's geological service, the 7.4-magnitude tremor struck at 07:34 local time at a depth of 103 kilometers in Chocó province. The powerful quake sent shockwaves across an enormous area spanning hundreds of miles throughout western Colombia.
The heaviest casualties and structural failures concentrated around the city of Pereira in the coffee-growing region, alongside the Valle del Cauca region. In Pereira's main square, Plaza Bolívar, verified footage captured a building collapsing amidst widespread debris and dust. Local officials reported at least 40 fatalities within the metropolitan area and 65 collapsed buildings, with people believed trapped inside 15 of them.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Further structural collapses were recorded in Cali, where 32 buildings fell, and Manizales, which reported at least two deaths. Angélica Ávila, staying at a hotel in Manizales during the disaster, described witnessing cracks splitting walls as panic erupted among occupants.
"Everyone was screaming... I saw dust coming out of the neighbouring buildings, and bricks were falling off the walls."
Angélica Ávila
Earthquakes occurring at a depth of over 100 kilometers often release seismic energy that uniquely stresses building structures across massive geographic footprints. While such deep quakes can sometimes mitigate surface-level devastation compared to shallow tremors, they still present severe risks of structural collapse and complicated rescue logistics due to widespread regional impacts.
Newly installed President Abelardo de la Espriella swiftly declared a national disaster situation to mobilize emergency powers and reallocate funding, confirming that over 1,500 homes suffered damage. International support has begun pouring in, with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele offering rescue personnel and equipment to aid recovery efforts.
Source: BBC World
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment