Colombia Earthquake: 'A Frightening Roar, Then Hell' as Quake Strikes

Colombia experienced terrifying moments after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, describing a "frightening roar" followed by "hell" as the ground shook violently. Many noted the unusual duration of the tremor, with one person stating, "We are used to earthquakes, but this one lasted an eternity."

“

We are used to earthquakes, but this one lasted an eternity.

The earthquake, which occurred around 7:34 a.m. local time, caused widespread panic. In Bogotá, a taxi passenger described the ground moving beneath his feet as trees, traffic lights, and buildings swayed. People rushed out of their homes and workplaces, with the shaking perceived to last for about two minutes. The director of news for Bluradio in Cali experienced the tremors live on air, adding to the city's distress.

“

We got off, the ground was moving under our feet. Everything around was a scene of desolation, with trees, traffic lights and buildings swaying. People had gathered outside their homes and workplaces, and the earthquake seemed to last about two minutes.

Social media was flooded with dramatic videos showing the devastation, including the collapse of a building section and parts of a hospital facade crumbling. Cali, a city in the Valle del Cauca department, reported a "yellow mist" in the air, a symptom of widespread collapses, along with power and water outages. Franco Coppoli, a teacher in Colombia, described his new building sustaining heavy damage after being awakened by the "very strong and prolonged tremors."

“

Towards 7:30 (local time - ed.) we were woken up by very strong and prolonged tremors. We came out of the house where we were, a new construction that is heavily damaged.

The quake's intensity was felt in cities like Medellín, where a resident on the seventh floor of a building described the terrifying sensation of everything shaking and windows rattling. Paralysed by fear, she eventually evacuated, joining a desperate crowd in the street concerned for their belongings and pets. The widespread impact left many in a state of shock and confusion.

“

The earthquake was very strong and lasted a long time. I live on the seventh floor of a building in Medellín and it felt like the windows were about to shatter; everything was shaking.