7.4-magnitude earthquake hits Colombia; hundreds dead and injured

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Colombia on Monday, August 10, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, located in the Chocó department. The tremor was widely felt in the capital Bogotá and in the cities of Cali and Pereira, with tectonic forces at a depth of approximately 96 km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

So far, the death toll varies, with authorities reporting at least 240 fatalities and more than 1,300 injuries. The situation is particularly dire in Cali and Pereira, where many buildings, including hospitals, have collapsed. Rescues are ongoing in several affected regions, with emergency teams searching for survivors among the rubble.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency and initiated an emergency plan to coordinate relief operations. The government and citizens are facing enormous challenges, including the collapse of structures, damage to various infrastructures, and rising civil tensions.

Six major airports, including those in Pereira and Manizales, were also affected, leading to the suspension of air operations until further safety assessments are made. Witnesses corroborated reports of chaotic conditions in hospitals, indicating that healthcare services are overwhelmed.

Several nations, including the United States and Mexico, have offered humanitarian assistance and rescue teams to support recovery efforts in Colombia. In response, the Colombian government expressed gratitude for the offers of international solidarity, while searches for the missing continue.

Local authorities estimate that the death toll could rise further as rescue operations progress. The earthquake is considered one of the most severe to hit Colombia in recent decades, highlighting once again the country's vulnerability to seismic activity.