A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia today, resulting in at least 70 confirmed deaths and widespread structural damage. The quake hit the Chocó province near San José del Palmar at 07:34 local time at a depth of 103km. This event represents the strongest seismic activity in the country in over three decades.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national disaster. This status grants the government authority to reallocate funds and emergency resources to the hardest-hit regions. Pereira, Manizales, and Cali currently report significant building collapses. Aviation authorities also note damage to regional infrastructure in Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura.
Search and rescue efforts remain underway as officials expect the casualty numbers to climb. Many residents remain trapped under debris in urban centers. In the capital, Bogotá, people evacuated offices and homes after feeling tremors that lasted nearly two minutes.
Witnesses describe cracks in walls and falling masonry across the coffee-growing region. While the epicenter was on the Pacific coast, the impact spans major cities. Government agencies continue to assess the full scale of the destruction while coordinating relief operations for displaced citizens.