**At Least 20 Dead After Powerful Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia**
A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 individuals and leaving many others trapped under collapsed buildings. The earthquake's epicenter was located near San Jose del Palmar, in the Choco province, which is known for its sparse population.
Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas of Manizales confirmed in an interview with Blu Radio that fatalities occurred in his town, while Alejandro Eder, the mayor of Cali, one of Colombia's largest cities, reported that preliminary assessments indicated at least 20 structures had collapsed in his jurisdiction. Eder stated that the city had requested assistance from disaster response teams in both Bogota and Medellin to aid in ongoing rescue operations.
The earthquake, which Colombia's geological service recorded at a magnitude of 7.4, struck at a depth of 96 kilometers (approximately 60 miles). The tremor was felt across a wide area, prompting reports of damage and injuries in various regions. Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba noted that significant damage had been reported in Quibdo, the provincial capital, and urged residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.
In the neighboring Risaralda province, Governor Juan Diego Patino reported that Pereira, a key city in Colombia's coffee-growing region, also experienced considerable damage to several buildings. The impact of the earthquake has led to widespread concern about structural integrity and safety in the affected areas.
In response to the disaster, Colombia's civil aviation authority announced the suspension of flights at several airports, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, while inspections for structural damage were conducted. The country's disaster agency indicated that they had received reports from nine departments and all 32 departmental capitals, confirming that the quake was felt widely and triggering evacuations in some areas.
Despite the severity of the earthquake, the U.S. tsunami warning system reported that there was no threat of a tsunami following the seismic event. Witnesses in Venezuela, particularly in the border state of Tachira and the central-western city of Barquisimeto, also felt the tremors, highlighting the earthquake's extensive reach.
This earthquake comes on the heels of a devastating series of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June, resulting in over 6,000 fatalities, primarily along the coast near the capital, Caracas. The recent seismic activity in Colombia has raised alarms about the region's vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for robust emergency preparedness measures.
As rescue efforts continue, local authorities are focused on locating and assisting those trapped in the rubble, while also addressing the immediate needs of the affected communities. The situation remains fluid, and updates on casualties and damage assessments are expected as rescue operations progress.