Colombia earthquake: At least 20 dead as 7.4 magnitude tremor strikes Choco region
The US Geological Survey revised the magnitude of Monday’s quake to 7.4, with significant casualties in Pereira and Manizales, while Bogotá and Medellín reported evacuations without major structural failure.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 20 people and causing widespread structural damage. The tremor occurred near the municipality of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, approximately 400km west of the capital, Bogota. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the event at a depth of 107km, revising initial reports from Colombia’s geological service which had estimated the magnitude at 6.6.
Significant casualties and building collapses were concentrated in the coffee-growing region known as Eje Cafetero. Pereira reported 18 deaths, while Manizales confirmed two fatalities. In Cali, authorities confirmed at least one casualty and the collapse of at least 25 buildings. The mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, established a Unified Command Center and requested support from sister cities Bogota and Medellin.
In the capital, Bogota, the earthquake triggered evacuations as alarms sounded in residential and commercial buildings. Mayor Carlos Galán stated that while some cracks were observed, there were no reports of serious injuries or major structural damage. He confirmed that city resources were being deployed to assist affected areas, noting that Bogota remained stable.
Medellin also experienced widespread evacuations, with residents fleeing buildings in various states of dress. Mayor Federico Gutierrez suspended metro operations to conduct infrastructure checks. While small towns on the outskirts of Medellin reported structural damage such as caved-in roofs, the city centre reported no full building collapses or casualties.
Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi confirmed significant damage and injuries in Quibdo, the regional capital. She warned of concerns regarding aftershocks and stated that damage assessments were underway. Authorities in both Colombia and Ecuador have urged residents to remain alert as emergency teams continue to assess the full impact of the disaster.
The US tsunami warning system issued no tsunami warning following the event. This seismic event follows a period of heightened activity in South America, including twin earthquakes in Venezuela in late June that killed more than 6,000 people. The full extent of the damage in Choco province remains under evaluation.
