At least 111 killed, 87 injured after 7.4 M earthquake in Colombia; 700 homes destroyed — President de la EspriellaA magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, Aug. 10, damaging Pereira Matecana International Airport and rattling much of the country. Footage from the airport showed sections of the terminal ceiling and other interior structures collapsing, with debris scattered across passenger seating areas.
The earthquake occurred at 7:34 AM local time, or 1234 GMT, according to the United States Geological Survey and Colombia’s geological service. Its epicenter was located about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) east of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region. The USGS said the earthquake originated at a depth of 107 kilometers (66.5 miles).
Powerful Quake Causes Widespread Damage
The earthquake has killed at least 111 people and injured 87 so far. Over 700 homes have been destroyed, President de la Espriella announced.
Pereira, the capital of Risaralda, was among the hardest-hit areas. The city lies about 35 miles from the epicenter, and its mayor, Mauricio Salazar, said 18 people had been killed there.
Videos also showed collapsed and partially collapsed buildings in Pereira, Manizales, and Cali. At least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali, trapping people inside, according to Mayor Alejandro Eder, who urged residents to evacuate buildings showing visible damage.
Significant damage was also reported in Quibdó, the capital of Choco.
Colombia’s civil aviation authority suspended air operations at six terminals, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura, while structural damage assessments were carried out.
Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella said he had personally assumed leadership of the emergency response and ordered the immediate establishment of a unified command post. He also requested a comprehensive report on the situation and said he would travel to Pereira to support those affected and monitor the government response.
The US Tsunami Warning System said no tsunami was expected for California, Oregon, Washington or Alaska, and ruled out a tsunami affecting British Columbia.
The Colombian Geological Survey described the earthquake as the strongest recorded in the country over the last decade. Two aftershocks, measuring 2.8 and 4.8, had also been recorded.