At Least 70 Dead as Powerful 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia

A powerful earthquake, revised to a magnitude of 7.4, struck western Colombia on Monday morning, killing at least 70 people and leaving others trapped under collapsed structures. The quake’s epicenter was located near San José del Palmar in the sparsely populated Chocó province along the Pacific coast, striking at a depth of roughly 96 kilometers.

Heavy Damage in Pereira and Cali

The coffee growing city of Pereira reported the highest toll, with 18 deaths and additional people trapped under debris, according to the local mayor. Two more deaths were confirmed in Manizales, where one of the city’s historic cathedral towers collapsed. In Cali, one of Colombia’s largest cities, officials said at least 20 structures had collapsed, prompting a request for disaster response teams from Bogotá and Medellín. Authorities in Chocó’s capital also reported injuries and significant damage, warning residents to prepare for aftershocks.

Government Response and International Support

Colombia’s newly sworn in president said he would personally lead emergency response efforts from the national disaster agency in Bogotá, pledging support for affected communities. The United States said it was closely monitoring the situation and stood ready to assist. Flights were suspended at several regional airports as inspectors checked for structural damage, and the earthquake’s effects were felt as far as neighboring Venezuela.