7.4-magnitude quake hits Colombia, killing 26

A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 26 people dead and causing widespread damage across several cities.

The United States Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.4. It struck at around 7:34am local time, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region at a depth of about 107 kilometres.

The tremor was felt across much of Colombia and in neighbouring Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama. Authorities warned residents to remain alert as aftershocks were recorded following the main earthquake.

Local officials reported deaths in several parts of the country. Three children were among those killed in Calima El Darién after a wall collapsed. Other fatalities were reported in Zarzal, Buenaventura, Manizales and Pereira.

Pereira officials reported 18 deaths, while authorities in Manizales confirmed additional fatalities. Rescue teams continued assessing the situation as reports of casualties and damage were updated.

Cali was among the worst-affected cities. Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20 buildings had collapsed, with people reportedly trapped under the rubble. He requested additional rescue personnel from Bogotá and Medellín to assist emergency teams.

Residents were urged to leave buildings if they noticed major cracks or believed the structures were unsafe.

Serious damage was also reported in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó. Regional authorities said several people were injured and buildings were damaged. Rescue workers were deployed to assess affected areas and search for people who may be trapped.

Manizales also suffered significant structural damage. Images and videos showed part of the Cathedral Basilica’s clocktower leaning dangerously. A five-storey building was also seen collapsing as people evacuated nearby areas.

The earthquake caused panic in Bogotá, where residents rushed out of homes and workplaces. Emergency sirens sounded across parts of the capital. People gathered in streets as buildings and traffic lights shook during the tremor.

Bogotá authorities initially reported cracks in some structures but said there was no immediate indication of major infrastructure damage.

The earthquake also disrupted air travel. Colombia’s civil aviation authority suspended operations at several airports after damage was reported at facilities in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura. Operations at Popayán airport were also suspended because of volcanic ash.

Officials said the Colombian Geological Service recorded two aftershocks, measuring 2.8 and 4.8. The stronger aftershock was widely felt.

Colombian authorities described the earthquake as the strongest recorded in the country in roughly a decade. Emergency agencies continued damage assessments while rescue operations remained underway.

President Abelardo De La Espriella said he had taken direct charge of the emergency response. He ordered the creation of a unified command centre to coordinate rescue and relief efforts and said he would travel to Pereira to monitor the situation.

The disaster comes less than two months after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24. Those quakes killed more than 6,100 people and caused extensive destruction.