By Rehan Khan Director Diplomatic & International Affairs
“Powerful tremor devastates western Colombia, with Pereira among the hardest-hit cities; dozens of buildings collapse as rescue operations intensify and authorities warn of possible aftershocks.”
PEREIRA: At least 132 people have been killed and more than 570 others injured after a powerful magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and disrupting airport operations, according to Colombian authorities and international media reports.
The Colombian Association of Capital Cities, following a disaster-response meeting with President Abelardo de la Espriella, said Pereira alone had reported 60 deaths. Five capital cities were placed under red alert, while at least 86 buildings collapsed and operations at seven airports were suspended.
Pereira, home to around half a million people, is located less than 64 kilometres from the earthquake’s epicentre. Strong tremors were felt across several parts of the country, including Bogotá, where alarms sounded and people evacuated buildings as a precaution.
President Abelardo de la Espriella said 1,577 residential buildings had been damaged, with 37 completely destroyed. More than 60 buildings had collapsed, while 18 health centres and 52 schools were also damaged.
The Risaralda department in west-central Colombia emerged as one of the worst-hit areas, with local authorities reporting extensive damage and casualties.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time, locating its epicentre near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó area, around 280 kilometres west of Bogotá, at a depth of approximately 107 kilometres.
In Chocó’s regional capital Quibdó, authorities reported injuries and severe damage to buildings and warned of the possibility of aftershocks.
President de la Espriella convened an emergency committee to coordinate the national response, pledging that his government would take all necessary measures to protect affected communities and personally lead recovery and relief efforts.
Meanwhile, Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán announced six collection points to receive donations of drinking water, blankets, mats, non-perishable food, hygiene products and first-aid supplies for communities affected by the earthquake.
He also said Bogotá was preparing to deploy 100 rescuers to the worst-affected cities to support search-and-rescue operations.
The devastating earthquake has triggered a major emergency response across Colombia, with rescue teams continuing operations amid concerns over further structural collapses and possible aftershocks.
