A magnitude-7.4 earthquake [1] struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 132 people [2] and injuring approximately 570 others [2].
The disaster caused widespread structural failure across several major cities, highlighting the vulnerability of regional infrastructure to high-magnitude seismic events.
The quake hit at 7:34 a.m. local time [1]. Authorities said the epicentre was in the department of Chocó [7], with the impact felt across Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Popayán, Armenia, and Medellín [3, 2].
Damage reports indicate that 61 buildings completely collapsed [1]. More than 1,500 homes were damaged [1] as the shaking tore through residential areas. Rescue operations are ongoing in the hardest-hit sectors to locate survivors trapped under rubble.
President Abelardo de la Espriella addressed the nation following the disaster. "Le encomiendo nuestro país al señor Jesu," the president said [4].
Scientists from EFE said that the earthquake had a tectonic origin [6]. The event was caused by tectonic movement along regional fault lines [6], a common characteristic of the volatile geography in western Colombia.
While most reports cite 132 deaths [2], some early estimates placed the toll at 111. Authorities continue to update casualty lists as search teams reach remote areas of the Chocó department.
“A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 132 people.”
This event underscores the persistent seismic risk facing the Andean region, where the intersection of tectonic plates creates frequent instability. The high number of collapsed buildings relative to the magnitude suggests a critical need for updated seismic building codes and reinforced infrastructure in western Colombian urban centers to prevent similar loss of life in future events.
