At least 47 people were killed in Colombia following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake
At least 47 people were killed in western Colombia as a result of a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. Dozens of buildings collapsed, trapping residents under the rubble, and people were evacuated from their homes, NDTV World reports, citing the Associated Press.
The epicenter of the quake was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, approximately 400 kilometers west of Bogotá. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake’s hypocenter was at a depth of 107 kilometers. The tremors were also felt in neighboring Ecuador.
Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar told Caracol Radio that 18 people had died in the city and described the situation as critical. Local media shared videos showing the destruction of residential buildings and small structures in Pereira, Cali, and Quibdó.
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In the city of Manizales, one of the towers of the Neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed. Colombia’s Civil Aviation Agency reported damage to six airports in the western part of the country and the suspension of their operations. These include the airports serving Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartagena, and Buenaventura.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Esprieylla stated that he would personally coordinate the government’s response to the emergency. “You are not alone. The state is present and taking action,” he said.
