Numerous buildings collapse in Quibdó, Pereira, Cali, and Manizales
No tsunami threat following the quake, which caused damage to multiple airports and buildings.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported on Monday that a 7.4-magnitude earthquake (on the Richter scale) was recorded, with its epicenter five kilometers from the town of San José del Palmar in the Colombian department of Chocó.
The epicenter of the quake, which struck around 7:34 a.m. (local time), was located five kilometers east of San José del Palmar at a depth of 107 kilometers, according to a preliminary USGS report.
The tremor affected at least nine of the country’s departments. While there is currently no official casualty count from the authorities, Colombian media have highlighted social media videos showing the collapse of numerous buildings in Quibdó, Pereira, Cali, and Manizales.
“We have just experienced a major seismic event in the department of Chocó. We are concerned about aftershocks. Although the epicenter was in San José del Palmar, there are injuries and severe structural damage in the capital, Quibdó. We are currently assessing the damage to issue the first official report,” stated Nubia Córdoba, the governor of Chocó, on social media.
Meanwhile, Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that there are “several areas of the city with buildings suffering structural damage.” “We urge the people of Cali to remain calm amidst this difficult situation and to report any issues requiring attention to emergency services,” he said.
Eder later explained that at least 20 buildings had collapsed and that there were “people trapped.” “We are already managing this emergency alongside all of Cali’s relief agencies. I have requested support—specifically rescue personnel—from the mayors of Bogotá and MedellÃn,” he stated.
The earthquake also affected airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, causing significant damage, according to the state agency responsible for civil aviation oversight and regulation in the country.
“For safety reasons, flight operations at these terminals remain suspended pending an assessment of structural damage to the facilities. Aerocivil continues to monitor the situation and will provide timely updates on any developments,” the agency added.
GOVERNMENT TAKES CHARGE
The president of the Latin American nation, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced that he has assumed “leadership” in the wake of the earthquake. “I have ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the response to the damage and the needs of those affected,” he stated.
Additionally, the president has requested a detailed report on the situation and the most urgent needs from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). “I will also be in Pereira in person to support those affected and verify the government’s response,” he noted.
The Colombian Maritime Authority has ruled out a tsunami threat to the coast for the time being, according to the UNGRD, which confirmed it is in contact with local authorities and entities within the National Disaster Risk Management System to assess “potential impacts.”
