Colombia Hit by Strongest Earthquake of the 21st Century: Over 110 Dead, State of National Emergency Declared

Another Shockwave Hits Latin America After June’s Venezuela Quake
Over 1,600 Buildings Damaged

Following a major earthquake in Venezuela this past June, another powerful quake with a magnitude of 7.4 has struck Colombia, a Latin American nation. The earthquake has resulted in at least 110 deaths and caused damage to more than 1,600 buildings. In response, the Colombian government has declared a "state of national emergency."

Rescue workers are conducting search operations amid the rubble of collapsed buildings caused by an earthquake on the 10th (local time) in Cali, the capital city of Valle del Cauca in western Colombia. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to AP and AFP, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on the 10th (local time). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter was in San Jose del Palmar, Chocó Province, about 400 kilometers west of the capital, Bogota. The quake originated at a depth of 110 kilometers and was also felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. The Colombian Geological Service stated that this is the strongest earthquake recorded in the country since the beginning of the 21st century. Aftershocks have continued, with 21 recorded so far.

The Colombian government has confirmed at least 111 deaths and 87 injuries to date. By region, at least 40 fatalities were reported in Risaralda, where Pereira is located; in Valle del Cauca, which includes Cali, 27 people—among them three children—were killed. Deaths were also confirmed in the provinces of Chocó, Caldas, and Antioquia. As many people remain trapped under building debris, the death toll is expected to rise further.

The property damage is also extensive. About 1,600 buildings have been damaged, with at least 61 completely destroyed. In Cali, citizens and rescue workers are lining up to move concrete rubble as they search for those trapped. Six airports across Colombia have suspended operations, and all professional soccer matches have been postponed.

A woman is sobbing at the earthquake damage site in Colombia. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News Agency

USGS experts assess that the quake most likely resulted from movement along a deep fault within the Nazca tectonic plate. Colombia’s Pacific coast lies within the so-called "Ring of Fire," the Pacific seismic belt where most of the world’s earthquakes occur. Given that more than 6,300 people died after two strong earthquakes in neighboring Venezuela in late June, anxiety among Colombians remains high, as reported by AP.

Abelardo de la Espriella, President of Colombia, has declared a state of emergency for earthquake recovery and announced he would personally visit the affected areas. He pledged, “We will not leave our people alone,” adding, “We will do everything possible to support those affected.” President Espriella faced the earthquake crisis just four days after his official inauguration on the 7th.

Countries worldwide have also expressed their intention to support Colombia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States is ready to assist Colombia. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced that the EU has activated the satellite service "Copernicus" to aid rescue operations. Israel, Mexico, Ecuador, and France have also offered assistance. Internationally renowned Colombian singer Shakira conveyed a message of solidarity on her social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying, “I am sending all my strength and love to my homeland. Let us all hold each other tightly.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.