By Riffat Kausar
Snn News Finland
A Colombia earthquake measuring magnitude 7.4 struck western Colombia on Monday, causing injuries and significant structural damage in Chocรณ province while powerful tremors were felt across Bogotรก and parts of neighbouring Venezuela.
The earthquake occurred near San Josรฉ del Palmar, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The situation remained fluid as emergency authorities assessed damage across several departments.
Colombian officials reported casualties and people trapped in damaged buildings in some cities, while authorities warned residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks.
Colombia Earthquake Strikes Chocรณ
The earthquake struck at around 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday. The USGS listed the event at magnitude 7.4 and located it near San Josรฉ del Palmar in Chocรณ, at a depth of about 107 kilometres.
Colombian authorities and international seismic agencies initially reported different measurements as assessments continued.
Chocรณ Governor Nubia Carolina Cรณrdoba-Curi said the provincial capital, Quibdรณ, had reported injuries and significant damage to buildings. She also warned that further tremors could occur as emergency teams continued evaluating the situation.
Colombia Earthquake Damage Spreads Beyond Chocรณ
Reports indicated that the earthquake affected a much wider area than the immediate epicentral region.
Colombia’s disaster authorities received reports from nine departments and all 32 departmental capitals, according to officials cited by Reuters.
In Pereira, officials reported serious damage to some buildings. In Cali, the mayor said preliminary information indicated that structures had collapsed and people could be trapped, prompting requests for additional disaster-response teams from Bogotรก and Medellรญn.
Authorities also temporarily suspended flights at several airports, including those serving Pereira, Manizales, Quibdรณ, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura, while inspectors checked facilities for possible structural damage.
Tremors Felt in Bogotรก and Venezuela
The strong shaking was felt far from the earthquake’s epicentre. Residents in Bogotรก reported the tremor, while witnesses in Venezuela’s Tรกchira border state and Barquisimeto also reported feeling the earthquake.
The earthquake’s depth was one factor considered by seismological agencies when assessing its effects across the region. The U.S. tsunami warning system reported that there was no tsunami threat following the earthquake.
Emergency officials continued to focus on structural inspections, rescue operations and updated casualty information. Because assessments were still underway, early figures were subject to change.
Key Facts
- The USGS recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.4.
- The earthquake struck near San Josรฉ del Palmar, a municipality in Colombiaโs Chocรณ department.
- Injuries and structural damage were reported in Chocรณ.
- Tremors were felt in Bogotรก and parts of Venezuela.
- Authorities continued assessing damage and possible aftershocks.
- Colombia Earthquake
FAQs:
How Strong Was the Colombia Earthquake?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured the earthquake at 7.4 magnitude. Initial readings from some agencies differed, but the reported magnitude was subsequently updated as seismologists reviewed the event.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The USGS located the earthquake near San Josรฉ del Palmar in Colombia Earthquake Chocรณ department.
Was Bogotรก affected?
Yes. The earthquake was felt in Bogotรก, although the strongest damage was reported in areas closer to the epicentral region.
Was the earthquake felt in Venezuela?
Yes. Witnesses reported feeling the tremor in parts of Venezuela, including the Tรกchira border area and Barquisimeto.
Was there a tsunami warning?
The U.S. tsunami warning system said there was no tsunami threat from the earthquake.
Authorities Continue Damage Assessment
Colombia Earthquake authorities urged residents in affected areas to follow official emergency instructions and remain cautious about possible aftershocks.
Rescue and disaster-response teams were being mobilised as reports from different regions were verified.
The casualty figures also changed during the day as authorities received additional information from affected cities.
For that reason, Scandinavian News Agency is treating early numbers as provisional and will update the report as official information becomes available.
For earthquake information and seismic monitoring, readers can consult the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which maintains a real-time earthquake catalogue.
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