A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck Colombia’s Pacific coast in the Choco province, resulting in at least 111 confirmed deaths and 87 injuries across the country, officials reported. The quake caused extensive damage to residential buildings, public infrastructure, and airports, leading to a national state of emergency.
The government declared locating and rescuing people trapped under collapsed structures as the highest priority. Rescue efforts continue in major cities including Cali, where at least 20 buildings collapsed with residents reported trapped inside.
Emergency response is coordinated by Colombia’s government leadership, who have mobilized resources nationwide following the disaster.
Human Impact and Rescue Operations
The quake’s epicenter was near the eastern tip of Choco province, close to the Tatama National Nature Reserve. Local authorities have reported varying casualties by region: 27 deaths in Valle del Cauca, including Cali; 40 deaths in Risaralda, with 18 in Pereira; 12 fatalities and 84 wounded in Choco; and 2 deaths in Manizales, Caldas. Rescue teams are actively working to free individuals trapped in collapsed buildings.
Infrastructure Damage and Flight Suspensions
The quake damaged or destroyed numerous structures: 1,575 homes were affected, including 37 totally destroyed. In addition, 61 buildings collapsed, along with damage to 18 health centers and 52 schools. The civil aviation authority suspended flights at six airports—Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura—and later added Cali’s airport to the list, pending safety assessments of structural damage.
Seismic Details and Regional Effects
The United States Geological Survey confirmed the quake’s magnitude at 7.4 with an epicenter approximately 107 kilometers underground. This depth contributed to tremors felt across western Colombia and neighboring countries Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. A significant aftershock of magnitude 5.0 occurred about an hour later. The quake lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone stretching along Colombia’s coastline.
International Response and Support
The European Union expressed readiness to provide aid, utilizing the Copernicus satellite service to support rescue teams. The United States is closely monitoring the earthquake’s impacts and offered assistance. Local officials in Cali have requested additional rescue personnel from other Colombian cities to strengthen emergency response efforts.
