A violent earthquake, with a magnitude between 6.6 and 7.4 based on initial measurements, was recorded today, Monday 10 August, in Colombia. The powerful earthquake occurred at 7.34 am (local time): according to what was announced by the Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) and the USGS (United States Geological Survey), the epicenter was recorded in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, about 280 kilometers west of Bogotá, in the western part of the South American country, at a depth of about 100 kilometers.
Collapses and victims
According to the toll updated thanks to the reports of the governors and mayors of the areas affected by the earthquake, the number of victims would have exceeded 74, while the rubble is still being dug in search of survivors.
At least 40 people have lost their lives in the Pereira metropolitan area, according to Mayor Mauricio Salazar. Serious damage was also recorded in Cali, the capital of the Valle del Cauca department, where at least 25 structures collapsed with people trapped under the rubble. “I have asked Bogotá and Medellín for help to send teams of rescuers,” Mayor Alejandro Eder wrote on Three victims were children, who died in the municipality of Calima El Darién due to the collapse of a wall. The number of deaths remains provisional and could increase as checks and rescue operations continue.
Manizales, Calì, Zarzal and Támesis are also among the most affected cities. Meanwhile, there are several videos on social media showing the destruction caused by the earthquake, especially in the city of Manizales, with citizens fleeing from the areas where the buildings are seriously damaged. The earthquake also caused the collapse of the dome of the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana.
Rescue in action
Nubia governor Carolina Córdoba released a message via her social media channels: “There was a serious seismic event in the department of Chocó. We are worried about aftershocks. Although the epicenter was in San José del Palmar, there were injuries and serious damage to buildings also in the capital, Quibdó. We are already assessing the damage in order to draw up the first official report.” The governor herself then specified that the authorities and emergency teams are already actively engaged in rescue operations in the area.
Shock also felt in Ecuador
The earthquake was so violent that it was also felt in other Latin American countries, from Panama to Quito, Ecuador.
As reported by the local newspaper El Tiempo, evacuations are underway in Bogotá, Eje Cafetero, Tolima, Huila, Valle del Cauca, Manizales, and Medellín. “At the moment there are no reports of injuries or structural damage – declared the mayor of Bogota Carlos Galán on X -, only some cracks in the buildings”.
Following the earthquake Colombia has suspended flights at six airports. Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority said damage was reported at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura.
The note from the Farnesina
The Farnesina is following, in conjunction with the diplomatic mission in Colombia, the evolution of the situation in the country after the violent earthquake which caused numerous victims and serious damage to buildings. This was announced by the Farnesina on X, adding that Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is “informed” and “at the moment there are no Italians involved”.