Colombia Earthquake: Over 130 Dead, Hundreds Injured as 7.4 Magnitude Quake Strikes

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has devastated western Colombia, leaving at least 132 people dead and 570 injured as rescue teams search through collapsed buildings. The seismic event, the most significant in the country in a century, struck near San José del Palmar, approximately 240 kilometers west of the capital, Bogotá.

The tremors were strongly felt in Bogotá, prompting residents to evacuate buildings as alarms sounded. Images from the airport captured the duration of the earthquake, which occurred at 7:34 AM local time. The epicenter was near San José del Palmar, with a depth of about 103 kilometers, followed by numerous aftershocks.

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We have 18 collapsed buildings in the city and another 60 severely affected, and many people remain trapped under the rubble.

Abelardo de la Espriella, president of the Colombian Association of Capitals, confirmed severe damage to over 1,500 homes in cities like Pereira, Cali, and Manizales. Sixty buildings completely collapsed, and 18 hospitals and 52 schools sustained damage. Pereira reported the highest death toll, with 60 fatalities.

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences. "We have 18 collapsed buildings in the city and another 60 severely affected, with many people trapped under the rubble," said Mauricio Salazar, the mayor of Pereira. A resident of Manizales described the intensity: "At first, we thought it was something minor. But when it started to feel stronger and didn't stop, we thought we would die."

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At first, we thought it was something minor. But when it started to feel stronger and didn't stop, we thought we would die.

Keylah Villarroel, a tourist in Bogotá, was on a bridge with her mother when the earthquake hit. "My mother and I held hands, we prayed, and we hoped everything would be okay. The car started to sway back and forth, as did the motorcycles... It was the first time I had ever experienced an earthquake, especially on a bridge, with many people around. Everyone was scared and holding hands because you didn't know what was going to happen," she said.

The neo-Gothic cathedral in Manizales suffered severe structural damage, with one of its towers collapsing. Authorities have declared a red alert in five regional capitals. Seven airports suspended operations. The Colombian government declared a state of national disaster in response to the devastation.

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My mother and I held hands, we prayed, and we hoped everything would be okay. The car started to sway back and forth, as did the motorcycles... It was the first time I had ever experienced an earthquake, especially on a bridge, with many people around. Everyone was scared and holding hands because you didn't know what was going to happen.