**At Least 82 Killed After Powerful Earthquake Hits Colombia**
A devastating earthquake struck western Colombia early on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least 82 individuals and causing significant destruction across several cities. The 7.4 magnitude quake, recorded by the US Geological Survey, occurred at a depth of 107 kilometers near San Jose del Palmar in Choco province along the Pacific coast.
The tremor, which hit at 7:34 AM local time, was felt throughout the country, with reports of damage and casualties emerging from various regions. The US Geological Survey had previously warned of the potential for “significant casualties and damage,” and this prediction has unfortunately come to pass.
The highest number of fatalities has been reported in Risaralda province, where local Governor Juan Diego Patino confirmed that 42 people have died. The city of Cali, one of Colombia's largest urban centers, also experienced considerable impact. Mayor Alejandro Eder stated that at least 30 buildings had collapsed, with rescue teams actively working at ten of these sites. Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes as firefighters and Colombian Red Cross personnel carried survivors from the wreckage. One resident, Juan Carlos Osorio, recounted the chaos: “The building completely collapsed. It sounded like a bomb. It was horrible. All of us neighbours are working together, forming human chains. We need heavy equipment. There are many people trapped.”
In Pereira, video footage captured the moment a building crumbled, sending clouds of dust and debris into the streets. Nearby Manizales also reported damage, including to one of the towers of a neo-Gothic cathedral.
Choco province, closest to the earthquake's epicenter, has been particularly hard hit. Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi reported not only fatalities but also dozens of injuries and extensive damage in the provincial capital, Quibdo. She urged residents to prepare for potential aftershocks, emphasizing the ongoing risk in the aftermath of such a significant seismic event.
The earthquake has presented a substantial challenge for the newly inaugurated President Abelardo De La Espriella, who assumed office just days prior. In response to the disaster, he announced the suspension of planned activities and stated he would travel to Bogota to oversee the emergency response efforts. The Colombian government has declared a state of emergency to facilitate coordinated rescue operations.
In light of the earthquake's impact, flights have been suspended at several airports, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, as inspectors assess potential structural damage. Fortunately, the US tsunami warning system has confirmed that there is no tsunami threat following the quake.
The seismic activity was felt across nine departments and all 32 departmental capitals, extending its reach even into neighboring Venezuela, where residents in Tachira state and Barquisimeto reported feeling the tremors.
Colombia's geographical location makes it susceptible to earthquakes, as the country lies across multiple geological fault systems within the Andes. Historical precedents underscore this vulnerability; the nation has faced significant disasters from seismic events and landslides, including the catastrophic Armero tragedy in 1985, which resulted in approximately 25,000 deaths, and a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in 1999 that claimed over 1,000 lives in the coffee region.
As rescue efforts continue and the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus remains on providing aid and support to those affected by the earthquake. The full extent of the damage and the number of casualties may still rise as rescue operations progress and assessments are conducted in the hardest-hit areas.