A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on the morning of August 10, resulting in at least 22 confirmed deaths and causing widespread destruction across several cities. The seismic event, recorded at a magnitude of 7.4 by the country's geological service, occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time at a depth of 60 miles. Its epicenter was identified near San Jose del Palmar, located in the sparsely populated Choco province along the Pacific Coast.
The impact of the quake was far-reaching, with the country's disaster agency reporting that it was felt across nine departments and all 32 departmental capitals. While the U.S. tsunami warning system confirmed there was no tsunami threat, the tremors triggered immediate evacuations and structural damage assessments. In the coffee-growing region, Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar reported the highest death toll, with 18 people confirmed dead. In nearby Manizales, Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas stated that three individuals had lost their lives.
In Buenaventura, the nation's primary Pacific port, Mayor Ligia del Carmen Cordoba confirmed one death following a building collapse that also left several people trapped. Meanwhile, in Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that more than two dozen structures had collapsed, leaving an unknown number of people trapped in the rubble. Emergency response efforts are ongoing, with Eder noting that the city has requested additional support from disaster teams in Bogota and Medellin. "At this point, two people have already been rescued alive, one elderly woman and one young girl. There are more people trapped," Eder told Blu Radio, adding that authorities are responding to at least 12 critical points and 25 collapsed structures.
Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi reported significant damage and injuries in Quibdo, the provincial capital, while cautioning residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks. In response to the structural instability, the civil aviation authority suspended flights at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura to allow for safety inspections. The seismic activity was also felt by residents in neighboring Venezuela, specifically in the border state of Tachira and the city of Barquisimeto.
The country's disaster agency said the quake, which occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time was felt in nine departments and all 32 departmental capitals, triggering evacuations and reports of damage. Colombia's geological service pegged the magnitude at 7.4 and said the quake struck at a depth of 60 miles. The U.S. tsunami warning system said there was no tsunami threat.
Reuters witnesses in the Venezuelan border state of Tachira and the central-western city of Barquisimeto reported the quake had been felt there. Venezuela was hit by devastating twin earthquakes in June, which killed more than 6,000 people, mostly on the coast near the capital, Caracas.
