- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday morning, causing buildings to collapse and trapping people.
- Local officials confirmed 18 deaths in Pereira and 2 deaths in Manizales.
- In Manizales, about 300 kilometres west of Bogota, one of the towers of the neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed and fell on the nave.
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The epicenter was located in San José Del Palmar, approximately 400 kilometers west of Bogotá, at a depth of 107 kilometers.1
Local officials confirmed that 18 fatalities occurred in Pereira and 2 in Manizales. In Pereira, at least 20 buildings collapsed, trapping residents under debris. Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali reported that residents were trapped in multiple collapsed structures, prompting requests for rescue teams from Bogotá and Medellín.3
Chocó Governor Nubia Córdoba reported injuries and significant damage in Quibdó, a city of about 130,000 people. In Manizales, a tower of the neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed onto the nave, highlighting the earthquake's destructive impact.
Colombia's newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de la Espriella, pledged to oversee recovery efforts and establish an emergency center in San José del Palmar. The Colombian Aviation Authority also reported damage at several airports across the country, complicating rescue operations.
As rescue efforts continue, the nation grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, with many residents still unaccounted for and emergency services working tirelessly to reach those in need.
“In Manizales, about 300 kilometres west of Bogota, one of the towers of the neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed and fell on the nave. Local officials confirmed at least 18 deaths in Pereira and two in Manizales, with rescue efforts ongoing.”
