Colombia earthquake kills at least 132 as rescuers search rubble in Chocó

Earthquake strikes western Colombia

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday at 07:34 local time, with the epicenter approximately 5 kilometers from the village of San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, about 400 kilometers from Bogotá. The quake occurred at a depth of roughly 100 kilometers and was felt as far away as Ecuador and Panama. The Colombian geological service described it as the strongest earthquake in the country this century and the highest magnitude in the past ten years. It was followed by 33 aftershocks, including one measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale that struck around 08:00 local time.

Rising toll and damage

By early Tuesday, the death toll had reached at least 132 with at least 570 people injured, according to the latest figures. Earlier on Monday evening, President Abelardo de la Espriella had reported 111 dead and 87 wounded. Authorities expect the number to rise further as rescue workers, relatives, and volunteers search through rubble into the night. More than 1,500 homes and buildings have been damaged and at least 61 have completely collapsed. More than 20 municipalities are affected.

The city of Pereira suffered the most fatalities, with at least 60 people killed there by the latest count. Governor Juan Diego Patino of Risaralda had earlier reported at least 40 dead in Pereira. In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder reported at least 20 collapsed buildings with people trapped beneath rubble. A hospital in Cali also collapsed, trapping multiple patients, though all but one were evacuated. Governor Dilian Francisca Toro of Valle del Cauca reported 27 deaths in her department, including three children. In Buenaventura, Mayor Ligia del Carmen Córdoba reported one death from a building collapse. In Manizales, a cathedral tower shifted out of position and the mayor reported two deaths.

Emergency declared

President De la Espriella, who recently took office, declared a national emergency and said he would personally lead the rescue and relief operation. An emergency center was being established in San José del Palmar. According to news channel Blu Radio, other ministers were dispatched to affected areas across the country.

We will not abandon anyone. They are in our hearts and we will care for them with full determination.

Chocó, where the epicenter was located, is one of Colombia's poorest departments. Large parts of the region are accessible only by boat or plane, and telephone connections have failed in some areas, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.

Six airports in western Colombia suspended operations due to structural damage: Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura. Colombia's civil aviation authority stated that flight operations would remain cancelled until structural damage to infrastructure is evaluated.

International response

The United States government has allocated $15.5 million for emergency shelter and food. The European Union has offered assistance, including activation of the Copernicus satellite service. Belgium said its crisis center in Brussels is monitoring developments and its embassy in Bogotá stands ready to assist Belgian nationals. The Netherlands' foreign ministry said it is investigating whether Dutch citizens are among the victims.

Regional context

Colombia's neighbor Venezuela was struck by two earthquakes in late June, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, at a depth of about 10 kilometers. The Venezuelan death toll has since risen to 6,301, with approximately 1,400 people still missing.