7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Western Colombia

A major earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck western Colombia, resulting in widespread destruction and at least 47 fatalities. Video footage captured the harrowing moment a building collapsed amid the tremors, while bystanders reacted in distress.

The Colombian Geological Service reported the earthquake at a depth of 96 kilometers. There was no tsunami threat, according to the U.S. tsunami warning system.

U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio stated on social media that the Trump Administration is monitoring the situation and is ready to assist Colombia and its government.

American citizens in Colombia should register at STEP and follow @USEmbassyBogota for updates.

The highest death toll was reported in Pereira, where 18 people lost their lives. In the neighboring city of Manizales, three fatalities were confirmed.

Buenaventura, a key port city on the Pacific, saw one death and multiple individuals trapped due to building collapses. Cali, one of Colombia’s largest cities, experienced more than 25 structural collapses, with rescue operations ongoing.

Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali reported rescue efforts retrieved an elderly woman and a young girl. The city has requested additional support from Bogota and Medellin.

The epicenter was identified near San Jose del Palmar, in Choco province. Significant damage and injuries were reported in Quibdo, the province’s capital.

Colombia’s aviation authority temporarily suspended flights at several airports for structural inspections. The quake impacted nine departments and all 32 departmental capitals, prompting evacuations.

The tremors were also felt across the Venezuelan border in Tachira and Barquisimeto, where they recalled the devastation from recent earthquakes near Caracas.