Kathmandu, August 11
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, killing at least 111 people and damaging numerous buildings. Several people are feared to be trapped under the rubble, and authorities have warned that the death toll could rise. The government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas following the earthquake.
According to the Colombian Geological Service, the earthquake struck at 7:34 am local time on Monday, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in Chocó province. The earthquake occurred at a depth of around 103 kilometres. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) also confirmed a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia. According to the USGS, the epicentre was about three miles east of San José del Palmar and approximately 280 kilometres west of the capital, Bogotá.
Pereira suffers major damage, no casualties reported near epicentre
Pereira, one of the major cities in Colombia’s coffee-producing region, has suffered the most significant impact from the earthquake. Located about 55 kilometres from the epicentre, the city has reported collapsed buildings and extensive damage. Videos verified by the BBC showed a building collapsing in Plaza Bolívar, Pereira’s main square. Rubble and dust spread across the square following the collapse. A large number of people were reportedly present in the square when the earthquake struck.
The earthquake also had a significant impact on surrounding cities and the Valle del Cauca region. However, local officials said there were surprisingly no reported casualties in the village of San José del Palmar, where the earthquake was centred. According to village mayor León Fabio Marín Moncada, roads leading to and from the village were damaged by the earthquake, but no deaths or injuries had been reported so far.
The tremors were felt in various parts of the country, including the capital Bogotá. People took to the streets for safety after buildings shook in the capital, and alarms were reportedly triggered in some buildings. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Galán said on social media that no casualties or major structural damage had been reported in the capital so far. He said some buildings had developed minor cracks.
Full extent of damage yet to be assessed
Rescue and search operations have been intensified following the earthquake. Authorities fear the number of deaths and injuries could rise as people may be trapped under collapsed structures.
Seismologists are reanalysing the earthquake’s preliminary magnitude and other details. The USGS said the magnitude and intensity estimates could be revised as additional data become available.
