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Powerful 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Colombia: Death Toll Rises to 82
At least 82 people have been killed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia. Search and rescue operations are continuing in areas where numerous buildings collapsed or suffered severe damage, with people reportedly still trapped under the rubble. A national disaster declaration has been issued following the earthquake.
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least 82 people dead, according to the latest reports.
Search and rescue teams are continuing operations across several affected cities as emergency crews work to reach people believed to be trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The epicenter of the earthquake was reported near San José del Palmar in Colombia's western Chocó region. The tremor was felt across a large part of the country, including the capital, Bogotá.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the 7.4-magnitude earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers.
DEATH TOLL RISES TO 82
Initial reports following the earthquake indicated a lower number of fatalities, but the death toll increased as search and rescue operations progressed.
Earlier reports put the number of deaths at 71, while subsequent updates raised the toll to at least 82.
Some of the heaviest casualties were reported in the Risaralda department, where 42 people were reported to have lost their lives.
Deaths and injuries were also reported in other affected areas, and authorities warned that the overall toll could change as rescue operations continue.
BUILDINGS COLLAPSE AS RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE
The powerful earthquake caused significant structural damage across several communities in western Colombia.
Some buildings collapsed completely, while many others sustained severe damage. Emergency crews are continuing to search through the rubble for survivors.
Serious damage was reported in and around Pereira, while Cali was also affected by widespread destruction, with numerous buildings reported to have collapsed or sustained damage.
Deaths, injuries and structural damage were also reported in Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó department.
TREMORS FELT IN BOGOTÁ AND MEDELLÍN
Although the epicenter was located in western Colombia, the earthquake was felt across a wide area of the country.
Residents in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Pereira and Manizales rushed out of buildings after feeling the strong tremors.
The earthquake was also reportedly felt in parts of neighboring countries.
Authorities said there was no tsunami threat following the earthquake but warned residents to stay away from damaged structures as aftershocks continued.
FLIGHTS AFFECTED AT AIRPORTS
The earthquake also disrupted transportation infrastructure.
Colombia's civil aviation authorities temporarily suspended operations at several airports to allow safety inspections to be carried out following the powerful tremor.
Airport facilities and runways were inspected for possible structural damage before normal operations could safely resume.
NATIONAL DISASTER DECLARED
The Colombian government intensified its emergency response following the earthquake and the widespread destruction it caused.
A national disaster declaration was issued as authorities focused resources on search and rescue operations and humanitarian assistance in the worst-affected areas.
Military personnel, police officers, firefighters, medical teams and other emergency services were deployed to affected communities.
SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE
Emergency teams have prioritized reaching people believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Rescue crews are continuing debris removal and search operations in heavily damaged areas, while injured residents are being transported to hospitals.
Damage to transportation and communications infrastructure in some areas has complicated emergency operations.
Continuing aftershocks have also created additional risks for rescue workers and residents. Authorities have urged people to avoid entering buildings that have sustained serious structural damage.
DEATH TOLL COULD RISE FURTHER
Authorities warned that search and rescue operations have not yet been completed and that people may still be trapped beneath collapsed structures.
As a result, the number of fatalities and injuries could rise as emergency teams reach more affected communities and continue searching through the rubble.
The Colombian government is coordinating emergency shelter, medical assistance, transportation and other essential services for people affected by the disaster.
According to the latest reported figures, at least 82 people have been killed in the earthquake. Severe damage has been reported across several cities in western Colombia, while search and rescue teams continue working to reach survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
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