BOGOTÁ: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 in magnitude struck western Colombia early Monday morning, killing at least 111 people, trapping residents under rubble, and prompting the government to declare a national emergency, authorities said.
The quake’s epicenter was located near San José del Palmar in Chocó department, roughly 250 miles west of Bogotá, at a depth of approximately 66 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Colombia’s own Geological Service had initially placed the magnitude lower, at 6.6.
Tremors were felt across a wide swath of the country, including in Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, and reportedly as far as neighbouring Venezuela and Ecuador. In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder said residents were trapped in at least 19 collapsed buildings. Chocó’s governor reported serious damage and injuries in the provincial capital, Quibdó.
Newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was sworn in just days earlier, said he had taken personal charge of the relief effort, calling it the first major crisis of his presidency. No tsunami warning has been issued.
Emergency teams continue assessing the full extent of the damage as authorities urge residents to remain alert for aftershocks.