111 dead in Colombia earthquake; 1,500 buildings damaged

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia, claiming at least 111 lives and injuring 87 people, according to preliminary reports. The seismic event, the most significant in the country this century, has left over 1,500 buildings damaged, including 61 that were completely destroyed. The earthquake's epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, a town of 4,800 people in the Chocó region, approximately 400 km west of the capital, Bogotá.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency, mobilizing all government resources to protect lives, support affected communities, and deliver relief supplies. The immediate priority is the rescue of individuals trapped beneath debris. The Chocó region, known for its dense rainforests, is one of Colombia's poorest areas, and its remote location presents challenges for authorities in assessing the full extent of the damage.

The earthquake's significant impact was particularly felt in the Risaralda department, where 40 fatalities were reported. Widespread damage occurred in Pereira, the capital of the coffee-growing region. Images captured the collapse of a spire from a Neo-Gothic cathedral in Manizales and the caving in of an airport ceiling onto passengers. Residents described the terrifying experience, with one recounting the sound of collapsing buildings like explosions and emphasizing the need for heavy machinery to aid in rescue efforts.

“

The buildings sounded like bombs going off when they collapsed. All the neighbors are joining hands to form a human chain to rescue people. We need heavy machinery. Too many people are trapped.