A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 in magnitude struck Colombia’s Pacific coast, resulting in at least 111 confirmed deaths, 87 injuries, and significant destruction across multiple regions, officials reported Monday. The epicenter was located in the eastern tip of the Choco province, near the Tatama National Nature Reserve.
Colombia’s newly inaugurated president has taken direct command of emergency response efforts, declaring a national state of emergency as rescue teams continue to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings in several cities, including Cali and Pereira.
The earthquake was deep, estimated to have originated about 107 kilometers underground, and was felt widely across western Colombia, as well as in neighboring Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.
Human Toll and Infrastructure Damage
Authorities confirmed 111 fatalities and 87 injuries by midday local time. More than 1,500 homes sustained damage, with 37 completely destroyed. At least 61 buildings collapsed, including structures in Cali where the mayor reported at least 20 buildings had fallen, some with people reportedly trapped inside.
Additional damage affected 18 health centers and 52 schools. Several airports in the affected regions, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura, and Cali, suspended flights as inspections continue for structural safety.
Response Efforts and International Support
The government prioritized locating those possibly trapped in debris and deployed rescue teams from multiple cities. The mayor of Cali requested reinforcement from other city rescue personnel to manage the emergency effectively.
Internationally, the European Union expressed readiness to support Colombia’s recovery efforts, activating its Copernicus satellite service to assist rescuers. The United States is closely monitoring the situation and offered support.
Seismic Details and Regional Impact
The U.S. Geological Survey verified the earthquake’s magnitude at 7.4, revising earlier lower readings. The epicenter was approximately equidistant from Colombia’s major cities Bogota, Medellin, and Cali, with the nearby city of Cartago, home to about 140,000 people, located roughly 30 kilometers away.
An aftershock measuring magnitude 5.0 occurred less than an hour after the main event. The quake is part of the geological activity along the Pacific’s Ring of Fire, known for frequent tectonic movement and volcanic activity.
