- A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with the epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó region, at a depth of 66 miles (107 km), according to the US Geological Survey.
- Buildings collapsed in Pereira and Manizales, including the neo-Gothic cathedral tower in Manizales, which fell onto the nave.
- The death toll has risen to at least 20 people, with 18 killed in Pereira and two in Manizales, according to local officials.
- In Quibdó, the governor of Chocó, Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi, reported injuries and serious damage, with four people trapped in a collapsed building.
- Colombia's President, Abelardo De La Espriella, has ordered a Unified Command Post to coordinate the emergency response and plans to visit Pereira in person.
- Mayors have urged citizens to stay outside and be ready for aftershocks, with rescue efforts currently underway.
- In Manizales, more than 12 buildings and 20 homes were partially or completely destroyed due to the earthquake.
- Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas advised citizens to stay outside and not re-enter buildings yet due to the risk of aftershocks.
- Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali urged citizens to stay calm and leave buildings if they see very large cracks, while rescue efforts were underway.
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and significant structural damage. The epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, with tremors felt across the region, including in Quibdó and Pereira.1245
At least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali, trapping residents inside. Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that rescue efforts are ongoing, with support requested from nearby cities. He urged citizens to remain calm and check for structural damage in their homes, stating, "If you don't feel safe, if you see very large cracks, please exit the building."9
In Pereira, Mayor Mauricio Salazar confirmed that 18 people died, while two fatalities were reported in Manizales. The governor of Chocó, Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi, expressed concern over aftershocks and the extent of injuries and damage, stating, "We are already conducting a damage assessment to issue the first official report."7
The earthquake struck at a depth of 82 kilometers and has led to the suspension of operations at six airports in the region. President Abelardo De La Espriella has taken charge of the emergency response, assuring citizens, "You are not alone. The government is here and taking action."
“The quake's epicenter was in San José del Palmar, about 250 miles west of Bogota, at a depth of 66 miles, according to the USGS. In Manizales, more than 12 buildings and 20 homes were destroyed, and a cathedral tower collapsed onto the nave.”
The Guardian
