A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 111 people dead and 87 injured [1, 2].
The disaster highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure in the Chocó region, where the epicenter was located in San José del Palmar [1, 4].
Emergency responders said more than 60 buildings collapsed across several cities [3]. The mayor of San José del Palmar said there was significant material damage and numerous injuries in the immediate aftermath of the tremor [1].
Reports regarding the death toll vary between sources. While some preliminary reports suggested 18 deaths, other data indicates the toll has reached 111 [1, 4].
Conflicting reports also emerged regarding the impact on the capital. Mayor Galán said there were no reports of damage or affectations in Bogotá [4]. However, other reports said the quake was felt strongly in the city and that building damage occurred [1].
"The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4," a seismic authority said [4].
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors among the rubble of the more than 60 collapsed structures [3]. Local authorities in San José del Palmar are coordinating with national agencies to manage the crisis and provide medical care to the 87 injured [1, 2].
“111 muertos y 87 heridos”
The discrepancy in casualty figures and damage reports in Bogotá suggests a chaotic initial response phase common in high-magnitude events. The concentration of structural failures in Chocó underscores a critical need for seismic-resistant infrastructure in Colombia's western departments.
