Tragedy Strikes Colombia: Death Toll Rises to 111 from 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake, National Disaster Declared

Original article: Tragedia en Colombia: suben a 111 los muertos por terremoto magnitud 7,4 y declaran desastre nacional

The government of Colombia declared a «national disaster» on Monday following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the South American nation, resulting in at least 111 reported fatalities.

The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) confirmed that the epicenter of the quake was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, at a depth of 103 kilometers.

The agency highlighted that this is the most significant seismic event recorded in Colombia during the 21st century. The SGC noted that over 20 aftershocks have been detected, warning that «more aftershocks are likely to occur.»

According to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales), Pereira, Cali, Manizales, Quibdó, and Armenia are experiencing the most critical situations among the capitals, with casualties, injuries, structural collapses, and damage to hospital facilities, airports, public utilities, and transportation systems.

The tremor was also felt in Bogotá, Popayán, Medellín, and other cities in central and western Colombia.

In response to the scale of the devastation, the organization stated that the declaration of national disaster will facilitate extraordinary mobilization and coordination of institutional resources to manage the emergency, through the activation of special technical, administrative, budgetary, and legal instruments.

«The immediate priority remains the search and rescue of trapped individuals, attending to the injured, assessing structures, and restoring essential services,» it was indicated.

According to Colombian media, besides the 111 confirmed deaths, there have been reports of 87 injuries, 1,575 affected homes, 37 completely destroyed houses, 61 collapsed buildings, 18 disrupted health centers, 52 damaged educational facilities, 17 impaired community centers, 18 damaged roads, and 6 airports out of operation, while another is experiencing infrastructure and runway issues.

Neighbors Search for Earthquake Survivors Among Rubble in Cali

The coffee-growing region of Risaralda is currently the most affected by the earthquake, as evidenced by videos shared on social media showing buildings collapsing in seconds.

In the city of Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca department, neighbors, rescue organizations, and citizens have joined efforts to try to rescue those trapped under the debris, including individuals from a six-story building that collapsed in the El Refugio neighborhood and other homes in La Luna sector.

Collection Centers

According to Asocapitales, collection centers have been established in various cities across Colombia, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Ibagué, and Santa Marta to receive supplies for rescue organizations addressing the emergency. Citizens are encouraged to visit these locations to donate water, construction gloves, safety glasses, helmets, and mattresses—essential items needed to support the relief efforts, search, and rescue operations in affected areas.

*Featured Image: Asocapitales