A devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake rocked western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, and claiming at least 47 lives as rescue efforts intensified to find those trapped beneath the rubble. A harrowing video captured the terrifying moment a building crumbled during the seismic event, sending onlookers into a panic as screams filled the air before the structure gave way entirely.
Earthquake Details and Impact
The powerful tremor, registered by Colombia’s geological service at a depth of approximately 96 kilometers (60 miles), was felt across a significant portion of the country. While the U.S. Tsunami Warning System confirmed no tsunami threat, the immediate impact on land was severe. The nation’s civil aviation authority grounded flights at several airports, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, pending inspections for structural integrity.
Colombia’s disaster agency reported that the earthquake, which struck at 7:34 AM local time (8:34 AM ET), was perceptible in nine departments and all 32 departmental capitals. This widespread shaking prompted evacuations and numerous reports of damage, highlighting the quake’s extensive reach.
Cities Grapple with Devastation
The city of Pereira, situated in Colombia’s renowned coffee-growing region, reported the highest number of fatalities, with Mayor Mauricio Salazar confirming 18 deaths. In the neighboring city of Manizales, Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas stated that three people lost their lives. Buenaventura, Colombia’s primary Pacific port, also experienced a fatality when a building collapsed, trapping several individuals, according to Mayor Ligia del Carmen Cordoba.
Cali, one of Colombia’s largest urban centers, faced significant challenges as more than two dozen structures collapsed, leaving people trapped. Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed that the city had reached out to authorities in Bogota and Medellin for assistance from disaster response teams. “At this point, two people have already been rescued alive, one elderly woman and one young girl. There are more people trapped,” Eder informed Blu Radio, adding that the city was dealing with at least 12 critical sites and 25 collapsed buildings.
Epicenter and Regional Effects
The earthquake’s epicenter was located near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco province, a less densely populated region along Colombia’s Pacific Coast. Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi of Choco reported injuries and substantial damage in Quibdo, the provincial capital, and cautioned residents about the potential for aftershocks.
The tremors were also felt beyond Colombia’s borders. Witnesses in Venezuela’s Tachira state and the city of Barquisimeto reported experiencing the earthquake, underscoring the seismic event’s broad impact across the region.
International Response and Support
The United States government expressed its concern and readiness to assist. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on X that the Trump Administration was closely monitoring the situation and prepared to offer support to the people of Colombia and President Iván Duque’s administration. American citizens in Colombia were advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://STEP.State.gov and follow the U.S. Embassy in Bogota’s social media channels for the latest updates.
Ongoing Rescue and Recovery
As rescue teams worked tirelessly through the debris, the focus remained on locating survivors and providing aid to those affected. The scale of the damage necessitated a coordinated response, with local officials collaborating with national agencies and seeking support from neighboring cities. The coming days are expected to be critical for search and rescue operations and for assessing the full extent of the devastation caused by this powerful earthquake.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the seismic risks in the region and the importance of preparedness and rapid response in the face of natural disasters. The resilience of the Colombian people will be tested as they begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.
