7.4-magnitude quake strikes Colombia
A powerful earthquake struck Colombia and several other parts of Latin America on Monday, causing injuries, damaging buildings and forcing evacuations in the capital, Bogota.
The earthquake was recorded at different magnitudes by geological agencies. Colombia’s geological service measured it at 6.6, while the United States Geological Survey estimated its magnitude at 7.4.
The epicentre was located in western Colombia at a depth of around 100 kilometres.
Strong tremors were felt across large areas of the country. The shaking was also reported in neighbouring Ecuador and as far north as Panama.
In Bogota, residents rushed out of buildings as emergency sirens sounded. Some people were seen gathering in the streets after leaving their homes and workplaces.
Authorities ordered evacuations from a number of buildings as a precaution while emergency teams assessed possible structural damage.
The situation was particularly serious in the western parts of Colombia.
The governor of Choco province reported injuries and significant damage to buildings in Quibdo, the provincial capital.
Cali, one of Colombia’s largest cities, also suffered substantial damage. Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20 buildings had collapsed and that people were believed to be trapped inside some of the structures.
Rescue operations were launched in the affected areas. Cali authorities requested additional emergency teams from Bogota and Medellin to assist with search and rescue efforts.
Images broadcast by local media showed buildings with damaged facades and sections of structures affected by the powerful tremors.
Emergency authorities continued to assess the extent of the destruction as rescue teams searched damaged buildings for survivors.
Officials have not yet released a complete account of casualties or property losses. The number of injured people is expected to change as assessments continue.
The depth and strength of the earthquake allowed tremors to be felt across a wide area, including outside Colombia.
Authorities urged residents to remain cautious and follow instructions from emergency services, particularly in buildings that may have suffered structural damage.
The earthquake comes as parts of northern South America remain vulnerable to major seismic activity. In June, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, with reported magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, causing widespread destruction and thousands of deaths.
