Event
Rescue operations in western Colombia continued into a second day as emergency workers searched through collapsed buildings and flattened homes. Authorities expect the death toll from the country's most powerful earthquake in decades to rise.
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President Abelardo de la Espriella invokes special powers to reallocate budgets as rescue operations continue in Chocó and Pereira, with structural failures reported across multiple municipalities.
Background
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, centred near the municipality of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, approximately 400km west of Bogota. The tremor, recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) at a depth of 107km, has resulted in at least 47 deaths and the collapse of dozens of buildings across cities in the region. Initial reports from Colombia’s geological service regarding the depth were revised by the USGS. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the final casualty figures remain subject to change.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, centred near the municipality of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, approximately 400km west of Bogota. The tremor, recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) at a depth of 107km, has resulted in at l
Fact cards
Key entities: Colombia, FRANCE 24, France 24.
What was the magnitude and depth of the earthquake? The earthquake measured 7.4-magnitude and occurred at a depth of 107km, according to the USGS. Where did the earthquake occur? The epicentre was near the municipality of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, roughly 400km wes
France 24 International | Primary source for the event details, ministerial statements, and presidential quotes. | United States Geological Survey | Provided corrected data on the earthquake's magnitude and depth. | France 24 International | Primary source for the updated death t
Monday: A 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes western Colombia near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region. Monday (Initial): Colombia’s geological service issues initial reports on the event. Monday (Revised): The USGS revises the depth of the tremor to 107km. Monday (Update): The
Timeline
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes western Colombia near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region.
Colombia’s geological service issues initial reports on the event.
The USGS revises the depth of the tremor to 107km.
The death toll rises to at least 47, with dozens of buildings collapsed across western Colombian cities.
FAQ
The earthquake measured 7.4-magnitude and occurred at a depth of 107km, according to the USGS.
The epicentre was near the municipality of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, roughly 400km west of Bogota.
At least 47 people have been killed, though this figure may rise as rescue efforts continue.
Dozens of buildings have collapsed in cities across western Colombia.