Colombia braces for rising death toll as 7.4 magnitude earthquake devastates Choco region
Authorities report hundreds dead after the country’s most powerful quake in decades strikes western Colombia, while eyewitness footage circulates online.
Rescue operations in western Colombia have entered their second day as emergency services continue to search for survivors following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The seismic event, which struck on Monday, August 10, has been described by officials as the most powerful earthquake to hit the nation in decades, prompting a massive mobilisation of resources across the affected region.
The epicentre of the quake was located near the municipality of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, approximately 400 kilometres west of the capital, Bogota. According to data from the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 107 kilometres, a factor that contributed to the widespread structural damage observed in the area.
Eyewitness accounts have begun to surface, with video footage captured by a local resident circulating on social media platforms. The recording depicts the moment the ground began to shake, offering a visceral glimpse into the chaos that unfolded as buildings collapsed and infrastructure failed under the force of the tremor.
Government authorities have confirmed that the death toll is already in the hundreds, a figure that is expected to rise as search and rescue teams gain better access to flattened homes and collapsed structures. This reported number stands in stark contrast to earlier preliminary estimates which indicated at least 47 fatalities, highlighting the rapidly evolving and uncertain nature of the disaster’s impact.
The Choco region, situated in the country’s west, is now the focal point of a critical humanitarian response. Emergency workers are navigating through debris and damaged terrain to locate those trapped beneath the rubble, while authorities work to stabilise the situation and provide aid to the displaced population.
As the search continues, the full extent of the destruction remains unclear. Officials have cautioned that the final death toll could climb further, underscoring the severity of the infrastructure damage and the challenges faced by rescue teams operating in the aftermath of such a significant geological event.
