Colombia Rocked by Powerful 7.4 Earthquake

At least 22 people were killed on Monday after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia. According to authorities, the tremors destroyed several buildings and trapped residents in the rubble. Casualties were reported in the city of Manizales, while Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed that at least 20 buildings had collapsed. He requested rescue assistance from the cities of Bogotá and Medellín.

The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of San José del Palmar in the Chocó region at a depth of 96km. Chocó Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba warned of aftershocks and confirmed injuries and extensive damage in the regional capital, Quibdó.

The Civil Aviation Authority suspended operations at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura as a precaution. Inspectors are assessing the condition of runways and terminals. The National Disaster Agency received reports of tremors from nine departments, prompting widespread evacuations.

The US Tsunami Warning System confirmed that there was no risk of a tsunami.

The tremors were also felt in neighboring Venezuela, including in the border state of Táchira and the city of Barquisimeto. Venezuela had already suffered two devastating earthquakes in June, which claimed more than 6,000 lives in the northern part of the country.

Colombian rescue teams continue to search through the rubble as authorities assess the full extent of the injuries and property damage.

(Reuters, Max)