A strong 7.4-magnitude earthquake rocked western Colombia on Monday, resulting in the death of over 100 individuals, causing severe damage to numerous structures, and trapping many individuals beneath debris as rescuers and families searched for survivors. Search teams and volunteers carefully sifted through the rubble of collapsed buildings in Cali, the country’s third-largest city, passing debris along a chain of helpers. Witnessing the devastation, Álvaro López, holding his dog, described the destruction of nearby buildings, emphasizing the urgent need for search and rescue efforts reminiscent of the ongoing operations in Venezuela following recent earthquakes.
The earthquake not only affected Cali but also caused destruction in several cities across western Colombia, including Pereira, Quibdo, and Manizales, with tremors felt as far as Ecuador and Panama. The epicenter was identified in San José del Palmar, a community in the Choco region, approximately 400 kilometers west of Bogota. President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed the injuries of at least 87 individuals and the damage to around 1,600 structures, including 61 completely collapsed buildings. He declared a state of emergency to facilitate funding for the recovery efforts and announced his visit to the affected area to oversee operations.
The earthquake, labeled as the strongest in Colombia in the 21st century by the country’s Geological Service, was followed by 21 aftershocks. The region around the epicenter is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for frequent seismic activity. The impoverished Choco region, situated in dense jungle areas, faces challenges in assessing the full extent of the damage due to its remote and inaccessible nature.
Local authorities reported casualties in various regions, with significant fatalities in Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, and Choco. The earthquakes have left the nation in shock, drawing parallels to the recent disasters in Venezuela. Families have started listing missing loved ones in digital databases, with the numbers steadily rising, including heart-wrenching accounts of individuals unaccounted for in Cali and Pereira.
Witnesses in Cali described the terrifying experience of witnessing buildings collapse and feeling the intense shaking. Rescue operations are ongoing in the city, with numerous individuals still trapped in damaged structures. In remote regions like Choco, communication disruptions have hindered the flow of information, making it challenging to assess the situation accurately.
Pereira and Manizales also suffered extensive damage, with reports of collapsed buildings and infrastructure issues. The response to the earthquake has become a critical test for President de la Espriella, who assured the affected population of the government’s full support. International aid pledges have been made, with the U.S. State Department committing $15.5 million for emergency assistance, while neighboring countries like El Salvador, Mexico, and Chile have offered their support and expertise in rescue and relief operations.