7.4 Magnitude Earthquake in Colombia Claims 164 Lives

On August 10, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicenter located near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, approximately 400 kilometers west of Bogotá. The earthquake resulted in at least 164 fatalities and hundreds of injuries, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue teams access hard-hit areas.

Major cities affected include Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó, where emergency services, soldiers, police, and volunteers are engaged in rescue operations. Significant structural damage was reported, including collapsed buildings and a damaged hospital in Cali, forcing patients to be treated outside.

Approximately 1,600 buildings were damaged, with at least 61 completely collapsing. The earthquake, described by Colombia’s Geological Service as the strongest in the 21st century, was followed by 21 aftershocks, complicating rescue efforts and raising fears of further collapses.

The full extent of damage in rural areas remains unclear due to disrupted communications.