The official death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday has risen to 111, with 87 individuals reported injured. The update was provided by President Abelardo De La Espriella at 12:30 PM local time.
The earthquake, which originated in San José del Palmar within the Chocó department, occurred at 7:34 AM and is the most powerful seismic event recorded in the nation over the past ten years. Its tremors were felt across major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Manizales, Pereira, and Barranquilla, as well as in neighboring Ecuador and Panama.
Throughout the day, the number of casualties continued to climb. An earlier count had listed the deceased at 74, distributed among Risaralda (40), Valle del Cauca (27), Chocó (four), and Manizales (three), before the official figures exceeded 100 by midday.
Widespread Destruction in Pereira
Pereira, the hardest-hit city, saw at least 18 fatalities and numerous buildings reduced to rubble, according to Mayor Mauricio Salazar. The Colombian Geological Service recorded the earthquake’s depth at approximately 103 km, with maximum intensity leading to severe damage.
Infrastructure Severely Impacted
The earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure beyond the tragic loss of life. According to the presidential report, 1,575 homes were damaged, with 37 completely destroyed. Additionally, 61 buildings collapsed, 18 healthcare centers were affected, 52 educational institutions suffered damage, 17 community centers were impaired, and 18 roads were blocked.
Air travel connectivity was also heavily disrupted. Six airports, including those in Pereira, Quibdó, Manizales, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, faced infrastructure damage and halted commercial flights, with an additional terminal reporting runway damage.
Efforts to Manage the Crisis
President De La Espriella declared a national disaster to expedite resource mobilization and tasked the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) with coordinating the humanitarian response. He also announced his intention to travel to Pereira to oversee rescue operations firsthand.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued an orange alert, predicting a probable scenario of 100 to 1,000 deaths, a projection that initial official figures are already beginning to substantiate.
This catastrophic event emerged just three days after De La Espriella took office on August 7 in Cali, marking the first major challenge of his presidency. The Chocó region, known for its high seismic activity due to the convergence of the Nazca and South American plates, has experienced destructive earthquakes in the past.
"As of 12:30 today, we have 111 dead, 87 injured, 1,575 homes damaged, 37 completely destroyed, and 61 buildings collapsed," stated De La Espriella, cautioning that these numbers could increase as rescue operations continue in the most affected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Colombia Earthquake
What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Colombia?
The earthquake in Colombia had a magnitude of 7.4.
How many homes were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake?
The earthquake resulted in 1,575 homes being damaged and 37 completely destroyed.
Which regions in Colombia were most affected by the earthquake?
Pereira was the most severely affected city, along with regions such as Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, Chocó, and Manizales.
What actions has the Colombian government taken in response to the earthquake?
President De La Espriella declared a national disaster to speed up resource mobilization and assigned the UNGRD to coordinate humanitarian efforts.