Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Leaves at Least 111 Dead, Collapses Buildings in Western Colombia

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia Monday, leaving at least 111 people dead and dozens more injured as buildings collapsed and emergency crews raced to search through rubble for survivors.

The earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó department, roughly 250 miles west of Bogotá. The powerful shaking was felt across large portions of the country, with damage reported in multiple communities.

According to the latest reports, at least 87 people have been injured, while rescue workers continue assessing the full extent of the destruction. Hundreds of buildings have reportedly been damaged, with some structures collapsing and trapping people inside.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Emergency crews have been deployed to affected communities as authorities work to locate survivors and assess damaged infrastructure. Rescue operations have been particularly challenging in rural portions of Chocó, where difficult terrain and limited access can slow emergency response.

The earthquake also affected larger cities and surrounding regions, including Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales, according to preliminary reports.

Officials are warning residents to remain alert for aftershocks and to avoid entering damaged structures that could collapse without warning.

Colombian authorities have declared a national emergency as the government coordinates rescue, medical and recovery operations. International assistance has also been offered as the scale of the disaster becomes clearer.

Strongest Colombian Earthquake in Years

The earthquake is being described as one of the most powerful to strike Colombia in the past decade. Its impact was amplified by the number of communities located throughout the affected region.

The disaster comes only weeks after neighboring Venezuela experienced two major earthquakes in June, adding to concerns about significant seismic activity across the region. Scientific monitoring organizations recorded back-to-back earthquakes of magnitude 7.3 and 7.4 near Venezuela on June 24.

As rescue operations continue, authorities say the death toll and damage assessments could change as emergency personnel reach more remote areas and search damaged buildings.

For families across western Colombia, the immediate priority remains finding survivors, treating the injured and providing shelter to those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Habari Entertainment will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Source: Citizen.com
Additional reporting: Reuters and Associated Press.