A powerful earthquake struck Colombia this Monday, resulting in at least 111 confirmed fatalities, hundreds of injuries, and significant structural collapses across the country. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the seismic event reached a magnitude of 7.4, a figure later corroborated by the Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC), which initially reported the magnitude as 6.7.
Epicenter and Geographical Impact
The earthquake’s epicenter was located near the municipality of San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, approximately 20 kilometers from the town, according to the SGC. The tremor originated at a depth of 96 kilometers and was recorded by 32 stations within the national seismological network. While reports from the SGC indicated a duration of 96 seconds, residents in various cities reported feeling the shaking for more than four minutes, a phenomenon experts attribute to seismic waves arriving at different intervals.
The impact extended well beyond the epicenter. Significant damage to hospitals, roads, and airports was reported in the departments of Chocó, Caldas, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca. The tremor was felt across major Colombian cities including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, and reached as far as Zulia in Venezuela, provinces in Ecuador—including Pichincha—and parts of Panama.
Cali and the Hospital Crisis
The city of Cali in the Valle del Cauca department suffered heavy damage. Dilian Francisca Toro, the governor of Valle del Cauca, reported that a portion of the Hospital Universitario de Cali collapsed. According to Toro, at least five patients from the Intensive Care Unit were trapped beneath the debris.
Did you know? Although the SGC officially registered the earthquake as lasting 96 seconds, many residents reported feeling the tremors for over four minutes. This discrepancy occurs because seismic waves travel at different speeds and reach various locations at staggered times, causing prolonged vibration in structures.
Broadcast Interruptions During the Quake
The intensity of the earthquake was captured on live television and radio broadcasts, providing a stark look at the sudden onset of the disaster. Alejandro Éder, the mayor of Cali, was appearing on the program “Cómo amaneció Cali” on Mi Tropicana TV when the studio began to shake. Video footage shows the radio hosts and the mayor identifying the tremor before fleeing the studio as equipment began to fall.
A similar scene unfolded at Blu Radio in Bogotá. As journalists were discussing the situation, the studio foundations began to shift. One host urged the audience to “maintain calm” while inquiring about the status of Cali. A commentator on the scene in Cali described the situation as “estremecedor” (shuddering) as the building moved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the official magnitude of the earthquake?
While the Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) initially reported a magnitude of 6.7, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the magnitude at 7.4. The SGC subsequently confirmed the 7.4 figure.
Which regions in Colombia were most affected?
The departments of Risaralda, particularly the city of Pereira, and Valle del Cauca, specifically Cali, recorded the highest number of fatalities and structural damage.
How deep was the earthquake?
The SGC reported the focal depth of the earthquake at 96 kilometers.
Have you been affected by the recent earthquake or do you have information on recovery efforts? Share your experience or updates in the comments section below to help keep our community informed.
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