Strong earthquake of magnitude 7.4 shakes Colombia and causes severe damage

A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.4 shook Colombia on Monday, August 10, with its epicenter located near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, at a depth of approximately 100 km. The quake prompted an immediate response from authorities and was felt in several major cities, including Bogotá and Cali, as well as in neighboring countries such as Ecuador and Panama.

Authorities reported severe structural damage to various buildings, including a significant impact on the cathedral of Manizales, which sustained heavy damage but did not collapse. At least 20 deaths have been confirmed, along with multiple injuries and three missing persons, although exact figures have not yet been fully detailed.

Amid the situation, local reporters and officials in Chocó indicated that the tremor pushed many residents from various areas to evacuate out of fear of aftershocks. The governor of Chocó expressed concern about additional seismic movements that have been recorded since the initial earthquake.

Since the event, aftershocks have been reported in different districts across the country, creating a state of alert and tension among the population. Authorities are monitoring the situation and have ruled out the possibility of a tsunami following the quake.

The seismic event has triggered extensive media coverage, with sensitive images of the collapse of various buildings being shared on social media. Residents in Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador also shared their experiences during the seismic event, which created moments of tension in these regions.

Former president Gustavo Petro commented on social media, calling on officials from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd) regarding the conditions at the Hidroituango hydroelectric plant following the tremor.