A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and causing widespread destruction across several cities, according to authorities.
The earthquake struck on Monday, August 10, in the Chocó region on Colombia’s Pacific coast at a depth of around 107 kilometres (66 miles). Despite its depth, the powerful tremor was felt across much of the country as well as in neighbouring Ecuador, Venezuela and Panama.
The Colombian Geological Service described the earthquake as the strongest recorded in the country in the past decade.
President declares national disaster
President de la Espriella declared a state of national disaster to speed up emergency response efforts and prevent administrative delays.
In a national address, the president said the immediate priority was rescuing people trapped under collapsed structures.
“The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble,” he said.
At least 111 people have been killed, while more than 87 others were injured. Authorities reported that 61 buildings collapsed following the earthquake.
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Risaralda among worst-hit areas
Risaralda province in Colombia’s coffee region suffered some of the heaviest damage, with at least 42 deaths reported.
In the city of Pereira, videos showed residents fleeing as buildings collapsed following the powerful tremor.
Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, also suffered significant damage. At least 19 buildings collapsed there, leaving some residents trapped inside. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder called for additional rescue teams from Bogotá and Medellín to assist with emergency operations.
Cathedral tower collapses in Manizales
The earthquake also caused major damage in Manizales, where one of the towers of the city’s neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed onto the nave.
Authorities said at least 12 buildings and 20 homes in the city were partially or completely damaged.
Six airports across western Colombia were also closed following the earthquake as authorities assessed damage and worked to ensure passenger safety.
Emergency teams continue search-and-rescue operations in affected areas as authorities assess the full extent of the destruction.
Officials have warned that the death toll and damage figures could rise as rescue workers reach more affected communities and inspect damaged buildings.
