Strong Earthquake Hits Colombia, Causing Dozens of Deaths

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, shaking the majority of the country, collapsing dozens of buildings, and bringing public life to a standstill in multiple cities, according to local authorities cited by NOS Nieuws. The disaster marks the strongest seismic event in the country in over a decade, with rescue operations underway for people trapped beneath rubble.

Casualties and Early Rescue Operations in Cali and Manizales

Local authorities report dozens of fatalities following the massive tremor, though the death toll is expected to rise as emergency crews search collapsed structures. In the hard-hit city of Cali, located roughly 150 kilometers south of the epicenter, at least 20 buildings collapsed, according to municipal officials. Early rescue efforts yielded results there, with local authorities confirming that a young girl and an older woman were pulled alive from the ruins of a collapsed building. Meanwhile, the mayor of the nearby city of Pereira reports at least 18 deaths, and persbureau AP notes that at least two people died in the city of Manizales.

Epicenter in Chocó and Government Emergency Response

The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the western Colombian department of Chocó, where the local governor reports at least four fatalities and dozens of injuries. President Abelardo De La Espriella announced on X that he is personally directing the search and rescue operations across the impacted regions. A dedicated command post has been established at the office of the disaster management agency UNGRD in Bogota, according to the president’s official statement.

Tremors were felt extensively beyond Colombia’s borders, shaking neighboring Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador shortly after the initial shock, followed by multiple aftershocks. In major urban centers like Medellín and the capital city of Bogotá, residents fled their homes into the streets. The impact also reached national transport infrastructure, with the Colombiaanse luchtvaartautoriteit reporting that at least ten airports sustained damage, leading to temporary closures.

Resident Accounts of the Tremor

On-the-ground experiences highlight the sheer force of the seismic activity. Jeroen Buyck, a 51-year-old Dutch resident living in Cali, was awakened by the violent shaking. “Het hele huis ging tekeer,” Buyck told reporters, describing how he rushed downstairs to check on his son, who is visiting on vacation, to ensure the ceiling had not caved in. While Buyck’s property and local Dutch acquaintances escaped major damage, he noted that heavier destruction is concentrated around Manizales and its surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong was the earthquake in Colombia?

The earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.4, making it the strongest seismic event in the country in over ten years, according to the director of the national seismological station.

Where was the epicenter located?

The epicenter was situated in the western Colombian department of Chocó, with strong shaking felt across most of the country and in neighboring Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador.

What infrastructure has been affected?

Dozens of buildings have collapsed—particularly in cities like Cali and Manizales—and the Colombiaanse luchtvaartautoriteit reports that at least ten airports have been affected and temporarily closed.