Earthquake in western Colombia kills at least 82 and causes widespread damage
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck near San Jose del Palmar, killing at least 82 people, collapsing buildings and trapping residents under rubble.
San Jose del Palmar, Colombia. At least 82 people were killed after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia early on Monday, collapsing buildings in several cities and trapping people beneath rubble.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 107 kilometres near San Jose del Palmar in Choco province on Colombia’s Pacific coast, according to the US Geological Survey. The tremor was felt across the country.
Casualties and damage
The US Geological Survey warned that significant casualties and damage were likely and that the disaster could be widespread.
The highest reported death toll was in Risaralda province, where Governor Juan Diego Patino told Caracol Television that 42 people had died.
Cali, one of Colombia’s largest cities, was also badly affected. Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 30 buildings had collapsed and rescue teams were working at 10 of them. Firefighters and Colombian Red Cross workers were seen carrying survivors from damaged buildings.
“The building completely collapsed. It sounded like a bomb. It was horrible,” resident Juan Carlos Osorio told Caracol Television while helping to clear rubble.
“All of us neighbours are working together, forming human chains. We need heavy equipment. There are many people trapped,” he said.
Impact in affected provinces
In Pereira, footage showed part of a building collapsing and sending dust and debris into the street. One of the towers of a neo-Gothic cathedral in nearby Manizales was also damaged.
In Choco, the province closest to the epicentre, Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi reported deaths, dozens of injuries and extensive damage in the provincial capital, Quibdo. She also warned residents to prepare for aftershocks.
Government response
The earthquake struck days after Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as president, placing his new administration in its first major crisis.
He said he was suspending planned activities and travelling to Bogota to lead the emergency response.
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