Powerful earthquake strikes Colombia's Pacific coast, causing injuries and significant damage

A strong earthquake jolted Colombia and other Latin American nations on Monday, causing injuries and substantial damage, particularly in the Choco province. The tremor, with magnitudes reported between 6.6 by the Colombian Geological Service and 7.4 by the U.S. Geological Survey, had its epicenter about 100 kilometers underground in western Colombia.

Residents in Bogota experienced the quake's force, leading to building evacuations as emergency sirens wailed. Many ran into the streets in their pajamas. The governor of Choco province confirmed that the capital city, Quibdo, suffered injuries and serious damage to its structures. The mayor of Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, also reported major damage within the municipality.

Footage aired by news outlets showed buildings with facades torn off by the earthquake's force. The seismic activity extended beyond Colombia's borders, being felt in Ecuador to the south and as far north as Panama. This event brings to mind the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, which resulted in over 6,000 fatalities and widespread property destruction.