More than 100 dead after powerful earthquake shakes Colombia this Monday

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake shook large areas of the South American country this Monday, leaving at least 111 dead, 87 injured, and extensive material damage.

Colombia is facing a national emergency after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook large areas of the country this Monday, leaving at least 111 dead, 87 injured, and significant material damage, according to the official authorities’ report.

The earthquake had its epicenter in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, at a depth of 96 kilometers, and was strongly felt in different regions of Colombia.

Due to its magnitude, it is the most powerful earthquake recorded in Colombia in the last decade. Authorities are keeping emergency operations open in case the number of victims and damages continues to rise.

President Abelardo de la Espriella stated that the government’s efforts are focused on finding people who remain trapped under the rubble.

“The number one priority is the rescue,” said the president while presenting a preliminary report on the emergency, which leaves 111 dead and 87 injured.

Authorities set up a Unified Command Post to coordinate the response. Early reports indicate 37 homes destroyed, 61 buildings collapsed, 18 health centers damaged, 18 roads affected, and damage to airport infrastructure.

Search for survivors and international aid

Emergency teams are continuing search and rescue operations, while authorities assess the safety of structures and the extent of damage in the hardest-hit areas.

The emergency sparked the first shows of solidarity and offers of international assistance. Mexico, the United States, Panama, Chile, and Ecuador expressed their willingness to support Colombia, while the United Nations reported that it is ready to provide help.

In Peru, 30 members of the Urban Search and Rescue Unit (USAR) of the General Fire Department are ready to move and take part in search and rescue operations if Colombia formally requests their support.

The Colombian Geological Service also clarified that the earthquake is not related to the activity of the Puracé volcano, which is currently on orange alert, in response to reports that started circulating on social media.

Authorities have activated response mechanisms while search efforts, care for the injured, and damage assessments continue. The count of victims and damages is still being updated.