7.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Colombia, causing damage and injuries

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday at 7:34 a.m., with its epicenter located in San José del Palmar, Chocó, at a depth of approximately 96 km. The tremor lasted around four minutes and was felt in various cities, including Bogotá, Cali, Popayán, Manizales, Armenia, Pereira, and Medellín.

According to reports from the governor of Chocó, injuries and severe damage to buildings have been recorded in Quibdó. In response to the earthquake, local authorities are conducting assessments to determine the extent of the damage in the affected areas.

In Cali and Manizales, serious damage to some buildings has been reported. Authorities are monitoring the situation and evaluating the conditions of the infrastructure following the seismic event.

Additionally, buildings and hospitals in Panama have been evacuated as a precautionary measure due to the earthquake's proximity, although no significant damage has been reported in the neighboring country.

Colombian authorities remain alert for potential aftershocks from the earthquake, while the population is experiencing uncertainty due to the impact of the seismic event in several regions of the country.

The natural phenomenon has prompted an active response from public institutions and emergency services, although the full extent of the damage and the exact number of injuries have yet to be officially confirmed.