7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Colombia, Killing 22 And Forcing Mass Evacuations

7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Colombia, Killing 22 and Forcing Mass Evacuations A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, killing at least 22 people, damaging buildings and forcing residents to evacuate homes and offices across several cities. The earthquake struck on Monday, August 10, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó department, according to seismic authorities. The tremor was felt across large parts of the country, including the capital, Bogotá, where residents rushed out of buildings as the ground shook and alarms sounded.

The earthquake was reported to have struck at a depth of about 107 kilometres, with tremors felt across nine departments and all 32 departmental capitals. In Bogotá, residents evacuated buildings as a precaution, although initial reports indicated no major structural damage in the capital. The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring countries, including Ecuador and Venezuela. Authorities warned residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks as emergency agencies assessed the extent of the destruction. The strongest impacts were reported in western and central parts of Colombia.

Pereira recorded the highest number of deaths, with at least 18 fatalities reported. Three other people were killed in Manizales, while another death was reported in Buenaventura. Several buildings also collapsed or suffered significant damage. In Cali, more than two dozen structures were reportedly damaged or collapsed, with rescue workers searching through rubble for people who may have been trapped. Emergency teams from Bogotá and Medellín were mobilised to assist rescue and recovery operations in affected areas. The earthquake also disrupted transportation, with airports in affected cities, including Pereira and Manizales, temporarily closed for safety inspections. Authorities were assessing runways, terminals and other infrastructure before allowing normal operations to resume.

The disruption added to the challenges facing emergency workers as they moved into affected communities. In Bogotá and other cities, residents poured into streets after feeling the powerful tremors.

The evacuations were largely precautionary, as authorities urged people to move away from buildings that could have suffered structural damage. Videos and images shared online showed buildings shaking and residents gathering outdoors as the earthquake spread panic across the country. Colombian authorities have activeted emergency response measures as rescue teams continue assessing damage and searching affected areas.

Officials are also monitoring for aftershocks and assessing the safety of buildings, roads and other critical infrastructure.

The earthquake is being described as one of the strongest to hit Colombia in years, with its effects extending far beyond the immediate area around the epicentre. As rescue operations continue, authorities have warned residents to follow official safety instructions and avoid damaged structures until they are declared safe. The full scale of the destruction and casualties is still being assessed, meaning the death toll and damage figures could change as emergency teams reach more affected communities.