A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 has shaken western Colombia. The quake occurred on Monday morning and was felt across large parts of the country. In the hardest-hit areas, there are reports of both injuries and significant damage to buildings.

The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the province of Chocó, western Colombia. According to reports from Reuters and Colombian authorities throughout the day, the quake was centered at a considerable depth, which contributed to the tremors being felt over a wide geographic area.

The tremors were felt strongly in Bogotá, Pereira, Cali, Manizales, and other cities. In the capital, people evacuated several buildings when the quake began to shake the houses, but Mayor Carlos Galán stated that there were initially no reports of major structural damage in Bogotá.

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Much more serious reports have come from Chocó. The province’s governor, Nubia Carolina Córdoba, stated that there are injured people and extensive damage to buildings in Quibdó, the provincial capital. Authorities are simultaneously working to assess the full extent of the damage in more remote areas around the quake’s epicenter.

Pereira and other cities in western Colombia have also been affected. There, both injuries and severe building damage have been reported. Pictures and videos circulated during the day show damaged buildings and people gathered outside after the quake.

Felt in Neighboring Countries

The earthquake was also felt outside Colombia. Tremors were reported from Ecuador and as far away as parts of Venezuela and Panama. In Ecuador, the quake led people to evacuate buildings as a precaution.

At the same time, there is nothing to indicate that the quake has triggered any major tsunami threat. The U.S. tsunami warning system assessed that the earthquake did not pose such a risk. Colombian authorities, however, have warned of the possibility of aftershocks and continue to inspect buildings and other infrastructure.

One of the Strongest in Years

The earthquake is a reminder of Colombia’s exposed geographical position. The country lies in an area where several tectonic plates meet and has regularly been hit by strong earthquakes. Today’s quake is described by Colombian media as one of the strongest in recent years.

Rescue and local authorities continued throughout Monday to collect information about the injured, destroyed buildings, and any further consequences. The situation is still developing, and the death toll may therefore change as rescue work reaches the most affected areas.

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