A 7.4-magnitude earthquake in northwest Colombia has left 132 people dead and more than 570 injured [1].
The disaster has caused significant structural collapses in urban centers, forcing emergency services to coordinate large-scale rescue operations across multiple cities.
The Asociación Colombiana de Ciudades Capitales, known as Asocapitales, released a partial report on Monday regarding the cities most affected by the seismic event [1], [2]. The report highlights the severity of the impact in San José del Palmar and Cali [1], [2].
In the Tequendama neighborhood of Cali, rescue teams recovered six bodies from a collapsed building [2]. Among the deceased were a minor and a pregnant woman [2].
Casualty figures continue to fluctuate as search efforts persist. While some reports initially indicated more than 500 injuries, the most recent data from Notimerica lists the number of injured at more than 570 [1].
Asocapitales said it delivered the balance to inform authorities and the public about the scale of the damage [2]. The organization is using the data to help coordinate assistance and rescue efforts in the hardest-hit regions [2].
Local authorities in Cali and other affected municipalities are currently assessing the stability of remaining structures to prevent further casualties. The 7.4-magnitude quake represents a significant geological event for the northwest region, leading to widespread disruption of infrastructure [1].
“A 7.4-magnitude earthquake in northwest Colombia has left 132 people dead.”
The scale of the casualties and the collapse of residential buildings in urban areas like Cali suggest a critical vulnerability in local building codes and infrastructure. Because the death toll is based on a partial report from Asocapitales, the final count may rise as rescue teams reach more isolated areas of the northwest region.
