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7.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Colombia, causing injuries and damage

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing injuries and significant damage.
  • At least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali, with people trapped inside, prompting rescue efforts.
  • The earthquake's epicenter was in San Jose Del Palmar, Choco region, at a depth of 66 miles.

A strong 7.4-magnitude earthquake jolted western Colombia on Monday, triggering widespread panic, causing injuries, and leading to the collapse of numerous buildings. The tremor was felt across the South American nation and in neighboring Ecuador, prompting evacuations as residents fled homes and office buildings.

there are injuries and serious damage to buildings

— Nubia CórdobaDescribing the impact of the earthquake in the Choco region.

In the city of Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that at least 20 buildings collapsed, with some individuals trapped within the rubble. Rescue teams from Bogota and Medellin have been requested to assist in the ongoing efforts. The epicenter was located in San Jose Del Palmar, a municipality in the Choco region, approximately 250 miles west of the capital, Bogota. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated the earthquake struck at a depth of about 66 miles.

Governor of Choco, Nubia Córdoba, confirmed "injuries and serious damage to buildings" in the regional capital. Meanwhile, in the town of Pereira, Mayor Mauricio Salazar stated that 18 people died and others were trapped in collapsed structures. Manizales also reported casualties, with Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas confirming two deaths and extensive damage to over a dozen buildings and 20 homes.

Right now, we are trying to map out what has happened, firstly to protect lives and secondly to be able to push ahead with any kind of rescue that might be necessary

— Alejandro EderExplaining the immediate priorities following the earthquake in Cali.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced he would personally oversee recovery efforts and establish an emergency center in San Jose Del Palmar. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant for aftershocks and to stay clear of damaged buildings until their structural integrity can be assessed. This earthquake follows two significant seismic events in Venezuela in late June, which resulted in considerable destruction and loss of life.

Do not go back into the buildings yet – I know this isn’t easy but stay outside for a little while at least because there could be an aftershock.

— Jorge Eduardo RojasAdvising residents of Manizales to remain cautious of aftershocks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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