At Least 47 Dead As Devastating 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Western Colombia

Western Colombia was hit by a catastrophic 7.4-magnitude earthquake on Monday morning, leaving at least 47 people dead and dozens of buildings reduced to rubble across multiple cities.

The powerful quake struck at 7:34 am local time, with its epicentre in the western department of Chocó, according to The Guardian. The tremors were felt as far away as Bogotá and even neighbouring Ecuador and Venezuela.

Cities in Crisis

The destruction has been widespread and devastating. In Pereira, the capital of Risaralda department, 18 people were killed. At least two more died in Manizales, and one person was killed in Buenaventura when a building collapsed.

In Cali, one of Colombia's largest cities with 2 million residents, Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that at least 25 structures had collapsed, with people still trapped inside. "We have at least 12 critical points and 25 collapsed structures that we are responding to," Eder told Blu Radio.

The mayor added that rescue teams had already pulled two people alive from the rubble - an elderly woman and a young girl - but warned that more remained trapped.

"I've Never Lived Through Such A Powerful Earthquake"

Jorge Moncayo, a 64-year-old taxi driver in Cali, described watching plumes of dust shoot up across the city from his home in the mountains as buildings collapsed. "My entire house shook," he said. "I've never lived through such a powerful earthquake."

In Manizales, the city's iconic neo-Gothic cathedral was severely damaged, with one of its towers collapsing onto the nave. Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas Giraldo said more than 12 buildings and 20 homes had been partially or completely destroyed.

Social media footage showed the terrifying moment buildings gave way - including part of the San José church in Pereira collapsing as palm trees shook violently around it.

Airports Shut, Aftershocks Expected

Six airports across western Colombia - serving Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura - have suspended operations due to damage, according to the civil aeronautics agency.

Colombia's Geological Service confirmed this was "the highest magnitude earthquake registered in Colombia in the last decade," followed by aftershocks measuring 2.8 and 4.8 magnitude.

Manizales' mayor urged residents to stay outside and prepare for more tremors. "Do not go back into the buildings yet - I know this isn't easy but stay outside for a little while at least because there could be an aftershock," he warned.

President Pledges Support

Colombia's new president, Abelardo De La Espriella - who only took office on Friday - announced he would personally travel to the affected region to oversee recovery efforts. "You are not alone. The state is present and acting," he wrote on X.

The government has ordered an immediate meeting of the national disaster management committee and established an emergency centre in San Jose del Palmar.

A Region Still Reeling

The earthquake comes just weeks after neighbouring Venezuela was devastated by twin earthquakes in late June that killed more than 6,000 people along the country's northern coast.

While small earthquakes are common in central and western Colombia, those above 6.0 magnitude are rare. The last major quake, a 6.2-magnitude tremor near the city of Armenia in 1999, killed more than 1,100 people.

As rescue operations continue and the death toll climbs, the full scale of Monday's disaster is still emerging. Authorities are urging residents to check buildings for structural damage and evacuate if they see large cracks.

Sources:

• The Guardian - At least 20 dead as powerful earthquake strikes western Colombia
• The Guardian - Live updates: At least 47 dead and buildings collapsed after 7.4-magnitude earthquake