A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia recently. The disaster killed at least 169 people. President Abelardo de la Espriella immediately declared a national disaster situation. This declaration gives the government special powers to reallocate budgets for emergency response.
Authorities fear the death toll will rise. Rescue teams believe many people remain trapped under collapsed buildings. Let us examine the full impact of this tragic event.
Earthquake Origin and Epicenter
The massive quake hit at 07:34 local time. The Colombian Geological Service pinpointed the epicenter near San José del Palmar. This small village sits in the remote Chocó province. The rupture occurred at a depth of 103 kilometers.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) explains that deep intra-slab earthquakes often release damaging energy. They can produce stronger, albeit fewer, aftershocks. The tremors shook an enormous area. People felt the quake hundreds of miles away in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.
Miraculously, San José del Palmar reported no deaths or injuries. Local mayor León Fabio Marín Moncada confirmed this positive news. However, the earthquake severely damaged the roads leading in and out of the village.
Widespread Destruction in Major Cities
The earthquake caused catastrophic damage in urban areas. Cali is Colombia’s third most populous city. It sits about 200 kilometers from the epicenter. Cali suffered the worst devastation with 85 confirmed deaths. Dan Cutler is a British tourist currently staying in Cali. He and his partner sprinted outside in their pajamas. He called the event a terrifying experience.
The quake heavily impacted Colombia’s coffee-growing region. Pereira reported 66 fatalities. Videos showed at least one building collapsing in Plaza Bolívar. This is Pereira’s main square.
The nearby city of Manizales reported at least five deaths. Angélica Ávila stayed in a Manizales hotel during the disaster. She saw cracks open in the walls. She watched bricks fall off neighboring buildings. Manizales meteorologist Luis Felipe Molina credited strict seismic building regulations for saving his home.
National Emergency and Global Support
The disaster damaged several regional airports. Authorities suspended flights in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura. In Bogotá, the capital, traffic lights and trees shook violently. The capital avoided serious infrastructure damage.
World leaders quickly offered support and resources. A spokesman for Pope Leo XIV expressed the pontiff’s deep sorrow. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised full support. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen offered satellite assistance. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele pledged rescue personnel and equipment.
The Red Cross and local volunteers continue their frantic search for survivors. This disaster follows a tragic pattern in the region. Less than two months ago, twin earthquakes struck northern Venezuela and killed over 6,300 people.
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