A 7.4-magnitude earthquake rocks Colombia and Ecuador, prompting people to evacuate buildings

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing significant shaking that was felt across the South American nation and in neighboring Ecuador. The seismic event prompted residents to evacuate their homes and buildings as a precautionary measure.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in San Jose Del Palmar, a municipality in the Choco region situated approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Colombia's capital, Bogota. Both the U.S. Geological Survey and Colombia's geological service confirmed the location, with the USGS reporting the quake occurred at a depth of 66 miles (107 kilometers).

In the regional capital, Choco Governor Nubia Córdoba reported on social media that "there are injuries and serious damage to buildings." She did not provide further details regarding the extent of casualties or structural damage.

This earthquake follows a series of powerful tremors that hit Venezuela in late June. Twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, devastated parts of Venezuela, destroying hundreds of buildings and claiming the lives of more than 5,000 people.

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there are injuries and serious damage to buildings