A massive 7.4-magnitude earthquake rocked Colombia on Monday morning, sending terrified residents rushing from buildings as reports of injuries, structural damage and collapsed buildings emerged across several cities.
The powerful quake struck at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time on August 10, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in Colombia's Chocó department, according to the Colombian Geological Service. The earthquake occurred at a depth of roughly 100 kilometers, with its magnitude revised following an initial estimate.
The shaking was felt across a huge portion of Colombia, including Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia and Popayán. Tremors were also reportedly felt beyond Colombia's borders in Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.
Some of the most concerning early reports came from Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, where authorities reported injuries and damage to buildings. Emergency crews quickly began assessing communities throughout the department as officials attempted to determine the full extent of the destruction.
Dramatic scenes also emerged from Cali, where buildings were damaged or collapsed and emergency personnel rushed to assist those affected.
Damage was additionally reported in Pereira and Manizales. In Manizales, the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica was reportedly among the structures damaged by the powerful shaking, while authorities began inspecting other buildings for possible structural problems.
In Bogotá, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said initial assessments did not indicate major damage. Nevertheless, buildings were evacuated as a precaution while officials carried out inspections.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the emergency response and announced plans to travel to Pereira as authorities continued assessing the situation.
The full human toll remained unclear in the hours following the earthquake. Officials had not yet released a definitive nationwide count of casualties, while emergency agencies continued checking homes, roads, churches and public buildings.
No tsunami warning was issued in connection with the earthquake.
With assessments still underway and the possibility of aftershocks remaining, authorities urged residents in affected areas to remain alert and follow emergency instructions.
The powerful quake has left Colombia facing an anxious wait as rescue workers and government officials work to determine the full scale of the destruction.
