7.4-Magnitude Colombia Earthquake Strikes: Damage and Injuries Reported

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck Colombia on the morning of Monday, August 10, causing evacuations, building damage, and preliminary reports of people injured in several areas.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicenter approximately 5 kilometers east of San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó.

The earthquake occurred at an approximate depth of 107 kilometers.

The Colombia Earthquake Was Felt Across Much of the Country

The powerful earthquake was felt in Bogotá, Cali, Popayán, Manizales, Armenia, Pereira, Medellín, and other cities across central and western Colombia.

In Bogotá, numerous residents evacuated homes and buildings. Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán initially reported that there were no reports of major structural damage, although some cracks had been detected in buildings.

The situation was different in other parts of the country.

Injuries and Damage Reported in Manizales and Quibdó

In Manizales, buildings were reported damaged and people were injured. Falling pieces of façades were also reported, along with damage to one of the cathedral’s towers.

In Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, authorities also reported injuries and significant damage to buildings.

“We have just experienced a serious seismic event in the department of Chocó. We are concerned about aftershocks,” Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba said.

Authorities began assessing the situation to determine the full extent of the damage.

Damage Reported in Cali and Pereira

In Cali, pieces of building façades fell, damaging vehicles.

Mayor Alejandro Eder said numerous buildings had cracks, although there was initially no information about casualties.

Pereira also reported significant damage to various structures, including the airport, while some buildings suffered partial collapses.

The Earthquake Was Also Felt in Panama and Ecuador

The intensity of the earthquake caused it to be felt beyond Colombia’s borders.

In Panama, the shaking lasted between 40 seconds and one minute and was felt particularly in Darién, Guna Yala, and eastern Panama.

Numerous buildings in Panama City and nearby areas were evacuated as a precaution, including healthcare facilities.

During the first hour after the earthquake, Panamanian authorities had not reported any casualties or significant property damage.

The earthquake was also felt in Ecuador.

Colombian authorities continue to assess the damage as concerns remain about possible aftershocks.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: August Breaks the Trend: The Atlantic Sees an Unusual Lull During Peak Hurricane Season