Earthquake in Colombia: 20 Buildings Collapse in Cali, Trapped Individuals Feared

A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocked Colombia early Monday, causing widespread damage and prompting urgent rescue efforts. In Cali, the country's third-largest city, at least 20 buildings collapsed, leaving an unknown number of people trapped in the rubble. The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority reported damage to several airports, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, and Buenaventura, leading to the suspension of their operations.

The epicenter of the quake, which struck at 7:34 a.m. local time, was located in the Chocó province on the Pacific coast. The seismic event was felt as far away as Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, highlighting its significant reach. The US Geological Survey and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre both reported the magnitude at 7.4, with focal depths estimated around 100 to 115 kilometers.

City officials in Cali have requested assistance from specialized rescue teams from Bogotá and Medellín. Mayor Alejandro Eder described the damage as "extensive" and noted that drones were being utilized to assess the situation. In the capital of the Chocó province, Quibdó, significant damage to buildings and reports of injuries have also emerged.

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) is actively assessing the damage and preparing an initial official report. The governor of the Chocó province, Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curry, expressed concern about aftershocks following the powerful tremor. Buildings in Bogotá were also evacuated as a precautionary measure.

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We have just experienced a strong earthquake in the province of Chocó. We are concerned about aftershocks. Although the epicenter was near San José del Palmar, there are injuries and significant damage to buildings in the capital (of the province) Quibdó.