7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Colombia
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Colombia's geological authorities recorded the earthquake at 7.4 magnitude, according to the Associated Press.
Colombia's geological service initially measured the earthquake at 6.6 magnitude. It later reported that the epicentre was located in Choco province along Colombia's Pacific coast.
Both agencies placed the epicentre near San Jose del Palmar, around 400 kilometres west of Bogota. The earthquake struck at approximately 7:34 am local time on Monday.
The country's federal disaster management agency, UNGRD, said the earthquake occurred at a depth of around 79 kilometres or deeper. The USGS said the epicentre was about five kilometres east of San Jose del Palmar.
The depth was an important factor in assessing the earthquake. A quake at around 79 kilometres is considered an intermediate-depth earthquake. It can still cause widespread shaking, but it generally behaves differently from a shallow earthquake of similar strength.
Buildings Damaged Across Colombian Cities
Videos and photographs shared on social media showed the impact of the earthquake in several parts of Colombia.
Buildings developed cracks, while people were seen losing their balance and falling on streets. The shaking was also recorded in El Cable in Manizales, around 120 kilometres from San Jose del Palmar.
Local media showed damage to homes, offices and other structures in several cities.
Blu Radio reported cracks in buildings in Cali, Armenia, Pereira and Medellin. Some buildings suffered more serious structural damage.
The mayor of Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, reported “major damage”. Television channels also broadcast images showing parts of building facades torn away by the strong shaking.
Residents Flee Buildings in Bogota
The earthquake also caused panic in Bogota. Several residents rushed into the streets as emergency sirens sounded. Some people reportedly left their homes wearing pajamas after feeling the strong tremors. Despite the intense shaking, Bogota's mayor said there were no preliminary reports of damage in the capital.
Medellin, Colombia's second-largest city, also experienced the earthquake. However, the city's mayor said there were no initial reports of injuries there. Authorities continued to inspect buildings and infrastructure as emergency teams assessed the situation.
President Announces Emergency Response
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said he would personally oversee the recovery operation. In a post on X, he said an emergency coordination centre would be established in San Jose del Palmar, close to the earthquake's epicentre.
The move came as authorities began assessing damage, searching affected areas and monitoring the possibility of aftershocks. Officials warned residents to remain cautious because additional tremors can follow a major earthquake.
Choco Reports Injuries and Building Damage
Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi said the province had experienced a major earthquake and warned that authorities were concerned about possible aftershocks.
“We have just experienced a major earthquake in the [province] of Choco. We are concerned about aftershocks,” governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi said on X. She said the earthquake had caused injuries and significant damage in Quibdo, the provincial capital.
“Although the epicenter was near San Jose del Palmar, there are injuries and significant damage to buildings in the (provincial) capital, Quibdo. We are already carrying out a damage assessment and will issue the first official report shortly,” she added. Emergency teams began inspecting affected areas and collecting information on casualties and structural damage.
Colombia Quake Follows Deadly Venezuela Earthquakes
Monday's earthquake came only weeks after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in late June. The Venezuelan earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude and caused extensive destruction. Hundreds of buildings were reportedly damaged or destroyed, while more than 5,000 people were killed, according to the report.
However, there was a major difference between the Venezuela earthquakes and Monday's Colombian quake. The Venezuela earthquakes were relatively shallow, occurring at depths of around 10 to 22 kilometres. Shallow earthquakes can produce stronger surface shaking and often cause greater damage near the epicentre.
The Colombian earthquake occurred much deeper, at around 79 kilometres. Despite its considerable strength, the greater depth helped distinguish it from the much shallower Venezuelan earthquakes. Authorities in Colombia continued to assess the full impact of Monday's earthquake as reports of damage and casualties emerged from different regions.
