A devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia in the early hours of Monday morning, resulting in at least 111 fatalities and 87 injuries. The tremor caused widespread destruction, with over 61 buildings collapsing across multiple cities, prompting President Abelardo De La Espriella to declare a national state of emergency.
The US Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at 12:34 UTC (7:34 AM local time), with its epicenter located approximately five kilometers east of San Jose del Palmar in Colombia's Choco department, at a depth of about 107 kilometers. Shaking was felt not only throughout Colombia but also in neighboring Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, though no tsunami threat was issued for Colombia's Pacific coast.
Cali Among Hardest-Hit Cities
The city of Cali bore a significant brunt of the disaster, with Mayor Alejandro Eder reporting that at least 20 buildings had collapsed. Emergency teams are actively working to locate and rescue residents believed to be trapped under rubble. Mayor Eder urged citizens to carefully inspect their properties for structural damage and evacuate if they felt unsafe due.
"I ask the citizens to remain calm. Check if there are any apparent structural damages in your buildings. If you do not feel safe, if you see very large cracks, please, leave the building," Mayor Alejandro Eder stated.
President Mobilizes National Resources
In a national address, President De La Espriella confirmed the state of emergency, emphasizing that the government's full capabilities were deployed to protect lives and provide aid. "The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble," he affirmed. This earthquake marks a significant challenge for De La Espriella, who had been sworn into office just days prior.
Infrastructure Impact and Closures
The earthquake severely disrupted essential infrastructure. Colombia's civil aviation authority confirmed the closure of five airports—Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura—for regular passenger operations. These facilities are now dedicated exclusively to medical and government flights while damage assessments are conducted. Additionally, all schools and universities in Manizales, the capital of the Caldas region, were suspended, with authorities advising families to monitor official channels for updates.
Colombia's Seismic Vulnerability
Monday's earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Colombia's inherent seismic vulnerability. The nation is situated near several major tectonic plate boundaries and fault systems, making it one of South America's most seismically active countries. The Colombian Geological Service has documented over 100 destructive earthquakes throughout its history, particularly in the Andean region and along the Pacific coast.