Columbia Earth Quack (Img: AI Generated)
New Delhi: A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia has killed at least 47 people and caused numerous buildings to collapse. Reports indicate that at least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali, leaving people trapped. Flights at several airports were also disrupted due to the earthquake. A magnitude 7.4 earthquake wreaked havoc in Colombia on Monday (August 10). According to local officials, at least 47 people died and several buildings collapsed. The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake struck at 12:34 UTC—approximately 7:34 AM local time. Its epicenter was located about 5 kilometers east of San José del Palmar in Colombia's Chocó department, at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers.
The mayor of Pereira reported 18 deaths in the city, while the mayor of Manizales told BLU Radio that two people had died there. The US Tsunami Warning System did not issue a tsunami warning following the quake. Tremors were felt across various parts of Colombia, as well as in Venezuela.
Details regarding the damage emerged gradually. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder stated that at least 20 buildings had collapsed in the city and people were trapped inside some of them. He noted that relief and rescue teams were on-site and that requests had been made to the mayors of Bogotá and Medellín to send additional rescue teams. He urged the public to remain calm and inspect their buildings for damage, advising anyone who felt unsafe or noticed large cracks in their building to evacuate immediately.
Chocó Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi stated that the earthquake caused significant damage to buildings in Quibdó and resulted in injuries. She also expressed concern regarding potential aftershocks.
Air services in several parts of Colombia were also disrupted by the earthquake. According to aviation authorities, airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura... The airports have sustained damage. Flight operations were suspended while safety checks regarding passengers and aircraft were conducted. The national disaster risk management agency, in coordination with local authorities, is gathering information on the extent of the damage. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Galán stated that there have been no reports of major damage in the capital.
Earthquake tremors were also felt in the border regions of Venezuela. People in Táchira and Barquisimeto reported feeling the tremors. Colombia is among the countries in South America most prone to earthquakes, as it is home to the boundaries of several tectonic plates and fault zones. According to the Colombian Geological Service, more than 100 destructive earthquakes have been recorded in the country.
