A devastating earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck western Colombia on Monday morning, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The quake, which originated in the Chocó department was felt as far as neighboring Venezuela still recovering from a deadly double earthquake on 24 June.
The powerful tremor has left at least 132 people dead and more than 570 injured according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities. Rescue efforts are underway to save those trapped under the rubble, with the national government deploying all available resources to assist affected communities.
The Epicenter and Immediate Impact
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Chocó department with the most severe damage reported in the cities of Cali and Pereira. The quake caused the collapse of at least 20 buildings in Cali and 65 buildings in Pereira, trapping numerous victims under the debris.
The mayor of PereiraMauricio Salazar reported that at least 15 buildings had collapsed with people still trapped inside. In Cali, the mayor Alejandro Eder urged residents to check their buildings for structural damage and evacuate if necessary. “If you do not feel safe, if you see very large cracks, please leave the building,” he advised.
Rescue Efforts and Aftershocks
Rescue workers and volunteers are tirelessly searching through the rubble for survivors. In Cali, a volunteer named Andres Felipe Mejia described the efforts: “We are trying to get everyone out alive. One of the rescuers asked anyone trapped to whistle, and someone whistled back.”
The mayor of ManizalesJorge Eduardo Rojas Giraldo warned citizens to be prepared for aftershocks. “Do not go back into the buildings yet. I know this isn’t easy but stay outside for a little while at least because there could be an aftershock,” he said. The Colombian Geological Service recorded 21 aftershocks including two significant ones measuring 2.8 and 4.8 on the Richter scale.
Government Response and International Aid
Colombia’s presidentAbelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency and promised to lead the government response. “The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble,” he stated in a national address. The president also announced plans to provide rent subsidies for those who had lost their homes.
The US has pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid, and other Latin American countries have also offered assistance. The earthquake has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including airports in PereiraManizalesQuibdóCartagoArmenia and Buenaventura.
The cathedral of Manizales was among the historic buildings damaged in the quake. The Petronio Alvarez festival an annual celebration of Pacific music, has been postponed due to the ongoing emergency.
As night fell, rescue workers and volunteers continued their efforts to find survivors, highlighting the resilience and solidarity of the Colombian people in the face of this natural disaster.
