Deadly 7.4 Quake Strikes Colombia, Claiming 20 Lives
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake rattled Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 20 people dead and causing widespread damage across the affected region. The tremor, which struck i…
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake rattled Colombia on …
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake rattled Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 20 people dead and causing widespread damage across the affected region. The tremor, which struck in the central part of the country, was felt strongly in the capital Bogotá and several other major cities, sending residents into the streets in panic.
Rescue crews are working around the clock to search for survivors amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings, particularly in the hardest-hit towns near the epicenter. Local authorities have reported dozens of injuries, with hospitals overwhelmed as they treat the wounded. The full extent of the destruction is still unfolding, as many remote communities remain cut off due to landslides blocking roads.
The earthquake, which occurred at a relatively shallow depth, triggered numerous aftershocks, keeping residents on edge and complicating relief efforts. In Bogotá, tall buildings swayed violently, causing many to evacuate, and some structures sustained cracks and broken windows. The city's mayor urged calm while confirming that emergency protocols had been activated.
President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of
President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of emergency in the most affected zones, mobilizing the military to assist with search-and-rescue operations and to deliver essential supplies. In a televised address, he expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised swift government support for rebuilding.
International aid offers have poured in, with neighboring countries and global organizations pledging assistance. Meanwhile, geologists warn that the region could experience more tremors in the coming days, as the South American plate continues to adjust.
As night falls, the focus shifts to finding those still trapped and providing shelter for the displaced. The death toll is expected to rise, but for now, the nation mourns and hopes for miracles amidst the devastation.