A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck central Colombia on Monday, killing at least 20 people and causing significant structural damage [1], [3].
The disaster highlights the vulnerability of urban infrastructure in seismic zones, as the collapse of historic landmarks and residential buildings has left multiple cities in a state of emergency.
The Servicio Geológico Colombiano said the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4 [1] and its epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, Chocó [1]. The hypocenter was recorded at a depth of 96 km [1].
In Manizales, the quake caused a tower of the local cathedral to collapse. Footage from the scene showed residents fleeing the area as the structure failed. One survivor said, "Me salvé por cinco segundos de quedar atrapado," meaning they escaped being trapped by only five seconds.
Fatalities have been reported across several regions, including Pereira and Manizales. While early reports indicated at least 18 deaths [2], updated figures have risen to 20 [3]. The mayor of Pereira said, "La situación es crítica," describing the current state of the city.
Emergency crews are continuing search and rescue operations in the affected areas. The seismic event was felt across several major cities, including Bogotá, Cali, and Pereira [1]. Authorities have not yet released a full list of the missing or the total cost of the structural damage.
“"La situación es crítica"”
This event underscores the persistent risk posed by the tectonic activity in the Andean region. The collapse of the Manizales cathedral tower suggests that even prominent historical structures may not meet modern seismic safety standards, potentially leading to a broader review of building codes and retrofitting requirements across Colombia's high-risk urban centers.
