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A powerful Colombia earthquake struck the western part of the country Monday, killing at least 132 people. Hundreds more suffered injuries as buildings collapsed across several major cities.
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit at 7:34 a.m. local time on Aug. 10. Its epicenter was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department.
Colombia Earthquake Causes Widespread Destruction
The earthquake had a reported depth of about 96 kilometers. It was one of the strongest earthquakes recorded in Colombia in decades.
Strong shaking affected Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, Manizales and several surrounding communities. Residents also felt the earthquake in Ecuador and Panama.
Early reports indicated that more than 570 people suffered injuries. However, officials warned that casualty numbers remained preliminary.
Pereira and nearby communities in Risaralda reported many of the deaths. Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca, also suffered extensive damage.
Buildings Collapse Across Western Colombia
More than 1,500 homes sustained damage, according to early estimates. At least 61 buildings reportedly collapsed completely.
In Cali, the earthquake damaged hospitals, schools and residential buildings. Rescue crews searched several collapsed structures for people believed to be trapped.
Officials said much of El Cairo, a town near the epicenter, suffered damage. The community has about 7,000 residents and includes many homes built with vulnerable materials.
The earthquake also disrupted transportation. Airports serving Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura temporarily suspended operations because of reported damage.
Rescue Operations Continue
Soldiers, firefighters, police officers and civilian volunteers joined search efforts Monday. Crews used heavy equipment, search dogs and hand tools to remove debris.
Communication failures complicated efforts to locate residents in rural communities. Chocó includes remote areas that crews can only reach by boat, aircraft or routes through dense jungle.
Families used online platforms to share information about missing relatives. Thousands of names appeared on citizen-run missing-person lists by Monday night.
Officials urged residents to avoid damaged buildings because aftershocks could cause additional collapses. People in affected areas were also asked to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
National Emergency Declared
Colombia’s government declared a national emergency following the earthquake. Officials deployed military engineers, rescue personnel and police units to affected areas.
The government also announced temporary rental assistance for families whose homes became unsafe. Local authorities suspended classes in several communities while engineers inspected school buildings.
Cali and Pereira imposed overnight curfews in selected areas. Officials said the restrictions would support rescue work, protect businesses and reduce traffic near damaged neighborhoods.
International assistance also began to take shape. Emergency funding was announced for shelter, food and other relief efforts. Several Latin American governments also offered support.
Communities Face a Long Recovery
Earthquakes occur regularly in central and western Colombia, but events above magnitude 6 are less common. The country sits within an active seismic region where tectonic plates meet.
Rescue teams continued searching damaged neighborhoods early Tuesday. Officials expected casualty and damage figures to change as crews reached isolated communities.
Community members seeking to help should use verified government and relief organization channels. Authorities also urged the public to avoid sharing unconfirmed casualty reports or unofficial donation requests.