A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, resulting in at least 111 fatalities. Many residents are trapped under collapsed buildings, raising the possibility of further casualties.
On August 10, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella reported that the earthquake has claimed at least 111 lives and injured 87 others, according to Reuters and AP.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time near San José del Palmar in Chocó province, with a depth of approximately 107 kilometers.
Damage has been concentrated in the western regions, including Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, and Chocó. In particular, buildings collapsed in Pereira, Risaralda, and Cali, a major city with a population of about 2 million, prompting rescue teams to search for those trapped.
Fatalities were also reported in Manizales, where parts of a cathedral's spire collapsed due to the tremors. The port city of Buenaventura also experienced building collapses, resulting in casualties.
Transportation infrastructure has also been affected. Colombian aviation authorities confirmed damage at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, initiating safety inspections.
The Colombian government has declared a national emergency and is focusing its efforts on rescue operations and support for those affected. President de la Espriella stated, "Our top priority is to rescue those trapped under the debris," adding that he would personally oversee support efforts in the affected areas.
Having taken office just three days prior on August 7, President de la Espriella is now responding to a major natural disaster.
Colombian geological authorities noted that this earthquake is among the strongest recorded in the country in the past decade. A 6.2 magnitude earthquake in central-western Colombia in 1999 resulted in over 1,000 deaths.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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