200+ deaths reported, dozens of buildings damaged after magnitude 7.4 earthquake in western Colombia
Of the total deaths reported, 95 occurred in Cali alone.
Sirens Blare in Bogotá, Colombia, After Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes
Earthquake sirens blared in Bogotá, Colombia, after a magnitude 7.4 quake struck near the town of San José del Palmar, about 250 miles west of the capital along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
SAN JOSÉ DEL PALMAR, Colombia – Residents across western Colombia were rattled by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake on Monday morning, along the Pacific Ring of Fire, resulting in over 200 deaths.
According to government officials, at least 216 people have died across the country, largely driven by structural collapses and falling debris from the impact.
Of the total deaths reported, 95 occurred in Cali alone.
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Fatalities have also been confirmed in Manizales. Meanwhile, widespread injuries have been reported across multiple affected cities and regions as rescue and damage assessments remain ongoing.
Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes western Colombia
(FOX Weather)
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said that the earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. COT (12:34 UTC) about 3.1 miles east of San José del Palmar at a depth of approximately 66.5 miles.
So far, the USGS said residents across major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, reported feeling the shaking.
Bogota, Colombia - Looking at the high angle view from the peak of Monserrate mountain in the Andes. The image was taken from about 1,500 feet above the capital city. The city's current altitude is about 8,500 feet above mean sea level. To the left of the image you can see the old town called Le Candelaria. It is here where the Spanish colonials founded the capital city. It is one of the largest cities in South America with a population of almost 10 million people. It is a clear afternoon in the Andes Mountains.
(Rass Films / Getty Images)
Residents evacuated homes and buildings as the tremor struck. The Colombia Maritime Authority stated there are no tsunami threats.
In addition to lives lost, roughly 87 people were injured, 37 homes have been completely destroyed, 61 buildings have collapsed, 18 hospitals have been damaged, 52 schools have been damaged, 17 community centers sustained damage, 18 roads have been damaged and six airports have also sustained damage, according to local officials.
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Additionally, Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi of Chocó, Colombia has reported injuries and significant structural impact as assessments remain ongoing.
Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro Torres said nearly 80% of El Cairo has been affected.
Stick with FOX Weather for more details as they become available.