Colombia Earthquake: 7.4 Magnitude Quake Leaves Over 100 Dead and Triggers National Emergency

The Colombian government declared a national emergency after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in the northwest of the country. Local authorities and rescue agencies report at least 111 people dead and 87 injured following the seismic event, which affected the Andean regions and the departments of Chocó, Antioquia, Bogotá, Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, and Caldas.

Infrastructure damage and airport closures in Colombia

President Abelardo de la Espriella reported that the earthquake affected 1,575 homes, 18 health centers, and 52 educational facilities. The president’s official statement confirmed that 37 properties were destroyed and 61 buildings collapsed entirely.

Transportation networks suffered significant disruptions. According to the presidency, 18 roads were damaged, and seven airports remain closed due to infrastructure failures. The affected airports include those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, Cali, and Buenaventura.

Impact on Manizales and the Ring of Fire

Manizales, located 80 kilometers from the epicenter, is among the hardest-hit cities. The city sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000-kilometer horseshoe-shaped geological belt where approximately 90% of the world’s earthquakes and 80% of the largest seismic events occur.

Local residents reported a loss of electricity, water, and basic services, particularly in the city center where older buildings suffered the most damage. Mauricio Henao, a resident of Manizales, told 20minutos.es that neighbors have remained in the streets to avoid potential aftershocks.

Henao described the intensity of the shaking as preventing residents from exiting their homes during the event.

“Quería salir a ayudar a unas personas pero no hubo forma, el temblor era tan fuerte que no podíamos salir, tuvimos que agarrarnos a las paredes”. Además, según relata a este medio, “las escaleras estaban llenas de escombros, por lo que era difícil evacuar”.

Mauricio Henao to 20minutos.es

Henao noted that the proximity of an active volcano to the city led him to initially believe the tremor was caused by an eruption.

Damage to religious and architectural landmarks

The Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, a primary architectural symbol of Manizales, sustained severe structural damage. The tower housing the cathedral’s clock collapsed during the quake, and the building’s facade developed deep cracks.

Authorities reported that the interior of the temple also shows widespread fissures and structural damage across the infrastructure.