Western Colombia has been hit by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake, with its epicentre located in the Chocó department. The seismic event was so powerful that its effects were felt in neighbouring Venezuela, indicating a wide area affected by the vibrations. The US and Colombian geological surveys confirmed that the earthquake struck the area at 7:34 local time on Monday.
The consequences of the earthquake have been severe, with buildings collapsing or suffering significant damage in several major cities, including Cali and Pereira. In the city of Cali, which was particularly affected, more than 20 buildings collapsed. People remain trapped in the rubble of these structures, creating an extremely critical situation for local services.
Due to the risk of further collapses and ground instability, the earthquake prompted emergency evacuations from affected areas. Local authorities in Cali have directly appealed to those in Bogotá and Medellín for assistance, requesting the dispatch of specialist emergency teams. These teams are needed to coordinate and execute complex rescue operations in areas where infrastructure has been damaged and access is restricted.
The number of casualties is rising, with different sources citing different but alarming figures. According to earlier reports, more than 80 people have died, while other sources have confirmed that the number of dead has passed 82. However, according to the latest information available to the public, the number of dead has exceeded 100, making this one of the deadliest events in the region in recent history.
