Colombia earthquake: 7.4 magnitude kills dozens

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, killing more than 80 people and collapsing or severely damaging buildings across several major cities. The quake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time with its epicenter in the western department of Chocó, according to the US and Colombian geological surveys, and was felt as far away as neighboring Venezuela.

Death toll and destruction

Authorities reported 27 deaths in the Valle del Cauca department, 40 deaths in Pereira, the capital of Risaralda, and at least two in Manizales, the capital of Caldas. The newspaper El Espectador, citing government officials, put the overall death toll at at least 72, with 40 fatalities in Risaralda alone. In Cali, the largest city in western Colombia, Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20 buildings had collapsed and that some people were trapped inside, though he did not specify a number. In Pereira, Mayor Mauricio Salazar declared a curfew and said 65 buildings had collapsed, with victims feared trapped in at least 15 of them. Five of the city's hospitals were reportedly overwhelmed with injured residents.

Official response and aftershock warnings

Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on Friday, flew to Bogotá and said he would personally lead the government's response. In a video posted on his official social networks, de la Espriella said, "Colombia has a president whose heart aches for his people and who will do everything in his power to help them in the most difficult moments." His office announced an immediate meeting of the national disaster management committee and said the government was "vigilant and in action." Meanwhile, the mayor of Manizales, Jorge Eduardo Rojas Giraldo, warned citizens to stay out of damaged buildings due to the risk of 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 in a social media video.

Scenes of chaos and collapse

Social media videos showed residents and rescue workers searching the rubble of a four-story hotel in Cali, and a woman sprinting from a building as it collapsed in Manizales. One clip showed part of San José church in Pereira toppling as palm trees shook around it, while another published by the newspaper El Tiempo captured a building giving way in Manizales. The cathedral in Manizales was also visibly damaged. In the Chocó capital of Quibdó, Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba reported injuries and severe building damage. Aviation authorities said airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Cartago, and Armenia were affected, though details on closures were not immediately available.

Looking Ahead

Rescue operations are expected to continue through the coming days as emergency teams work to reach those still trapped under debris. With aftershocks possible, officials are urging residents to remain cautious and to check buildings for structural damage before re-entering. The full scale of the disaster is only beginning to emerge, and international aid may be needed to support Colombia's recovery. President de la Espriella has pledged to keep citizens informed as the government mobilizes all available resources.