A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has devastated parts of western Colombia, claiming the lives of at least 47 people and leaving a trail of collapsed buildings and impassable roads. The seismic event, centered near the small community of San Jose del Palmar, has forced hundreds to abandon their homes amidst widespread destruction.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the earthquake struck at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey. The tremor was also reportedly felt across the border in Ecuador. The Choco region, where San Jose del Palmar is located, is situated about 400 kilometers west of the capital city, Bogota.
The city of Pereira has been particularly hard-hit, with its mayor, Mauricio Salazar, reporting that 18 fatalities originated from the municipality. He described the situation in the city as “critical.” Local media broadcasts have shown images of houses and smaller structures reduced to rubble in Pereira, Cali, and Quibdo. In Manizales, a city some 300 kilometers west of Bogota, a portion of a neo-Gothic cathedral’s tower reportedly collapsed.
The region is prone to seismic activity, with earthquakes locally referred to as “temblores.” However, tremors exceeding magnitude 6.0 are considered less frequent. A previous magnitude 6.2 earthquake near Armenia resulted in over 1,100 fatalities, underscoring the potential danger of such events.
Newly inaugurated Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has taken charge of coordinating the government’s emergency response efforts in the most affected areas. Addressing the nation, he stated, “You are not alone. The state is present and taking action.” The president’s swift engagement signals a commitment to providing immediate assistance to the affected communities.
The impact of the earthquake has extended to the country’s transportation infrastructure. The civil aeronautics agency announced that six airports in western Colombia have sustained damage and have consequently suspended operations. The affected airports are crucial for connectivity in the region, serving cities including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, as reported by the agency via a post on the social media platform X.
Rescue and assessment operations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the damage and provide aid to those affected by this devastating natural disaster. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents, clearing debris, and restoring essential services in the quake-stricken areas.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
