Powerful Earthquake Devastates Colombia, Killing at Least 82

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia's Chocó department on Monday, leaving at least 82 people dead and trapping others under rubble. The quake's epicenter was located 107 kilometers deep near San Jose del Palmar, a sparsely populated region on the Pacific coast. Tremors were felt throughout the country, reaching all 32 departmental capitals.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) had warned of significant casualties and widespread destruction. While no tsunami threat was issued, the impact was severe, particularly in the western department of Risaralda, a coffee-growing region, where 42 deaths were reported. Cali, one of Colombia's largest cities, also suffered substantial damage, with at least 30 buildings collapsing, according to Mayor Alejandro Eder.

Rescue efforts are underway, with firefighters and the Colombian Red Cross seen carrying survivors from damaged structures. Social media footage showed buildings crumbling in cities like Pereira, the capital of Risaralda, and damage to the neogothic cathedral in Manizales, which lost one of its towers.

The earthquake occurred just days after Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as president, presenting his new administration with its first major crisis. The disaster also follows two devastating earthquakes that hit neighboring Venezuela in June. De La Espriella, a right-wing politician, has suspended his planned activities and is coordinating disaster response efforts from the capital, Bogota, after declaring a state of emergency.

“

Prawdopodobne są znaczne straty w ludziach i zniszczenia, a katastrofa może mieć rozległy charakter