Colombia has been plunged into tragedy after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the western part of the country on Monday morning, killing at least 80 people and leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
The earthquake struck at about 7:34 a.m. local time on August 10, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department. Colombia’s Geological Service said the quake was roughly 103 kilometers deep and described it as the largest-magnitude earthquake recorded in Colombia during the 21st century.
As rescue operations expanded throughout the affected regions, Reuters reported that the confirmed death toll had climbed to at least 82, with authorities warning that the number could change as emergency crews reach damaged communities and search collapsed structures.
Some of the worst destruction was reported in western cities including Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó.
In Cali, buildings were reported to have collapsed as emergency workers desperately searched through debris for people who may still be trapped. Damage was also reported to homes, churches, roads and other infrastructure across several departments.
One particularly dramatic scene unfolded in Manizales, where part of a cathedral was damaged as the violent shaking rocked the city.
The earthquake was powerful enough to be felt across large areas of Colombia and beyond its borders. The U.S. Geological Survey independently measured the quake at magnitude 7.4, locating it near San José del Palmar at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers.
Authorities immediately activated emergency operations, deploying specialized urban search-and-rescue teams while local officials began assessing damage to homes, public buildings and critical infrastructure. Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said rescue teams from several cities were mobilized to support affected communities.
The danger may not be over.
Colombia’s Geological Service reported numerous aftershocks following the main earthquake and warned that additional seismic activity could continue. Residents in damaged areas have been urged to follow official safety instructions and avoid structures showing serious cracks or signs of collapse.
Monday’s disaster has now triggered a massive race against time as rescuers dig through rubble looking for survivors.
With dozens already confirmed dead and damage assessments still underway, Colombia is confronting one of its most devastating earthquakes in recent years — and officials fear the full scale of the tragedy may still be unfolding.
