A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 20 people and causing dozens of buildings to collapse [1], [2].
The disaster highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure in the Chocó department and the ongoing seismic risks facing the Andean region.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake occurred approximately five km east of San José del Palmar [1], [2]. The seismic event took place at 12:34 UTC, which was approximately 7:34 AM local time [1]. The tremor originated at a depth of about 107 km [1].
Reports on the death toll vary across agencies. While some sources report at least 20 fatalities [2], other reports estimate 22 deaths [7] or as many as 47 [8]. Emergency responders are currently managing the aftermath of dozens of collapsed buildings [2].
Tremors from the earthquake were felt as far away as Venezuela [1], [2]. Despite the power of the quake, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System, which measured the magnitude at 7.1 [4], said that no tsunami warning was issued [5].
Local authorities have not yet released a full accounting of the displaced population. The event was caused by natural tectonic activity [1].
“A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday”
The variance in reported death tolls—ranging from 20 to 47—suggests significant challenges in communication and casualty accounting in the remote Chocó department. Because the earthquake occurred at a depth of 107 km, the energy was dispersed over a wider area, explaining why tremors were felt in Venezuela despite the localized destruction in Colombia.
