A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 24 people and causing significant destruction, officials reported. The U.S. Geological Survey located the earthquake's epicenter 5 kilometers east of San José del Palmar.
Pereira, a heavily impacted city, recorded the majority of the fatalities. Three children died in the Valle del Cauca department, where Cali, the department's capital, also sustained severe damage. In Cali, at least 20 buildings collapsed, and emergency responders were engaged in a rescue operation for at least 15 people trapped in one structure. Officials in Quibdo, the capital of the Chocó department, reported injuries and substantial building damage.
Seven airports suspended operations in Armenia, Cali, Manizales, Pereira, Quibdo, Buenaventura, and Cartago. No collapsed buildings were reported in the capital city of Bogotá.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella stated on social media that he was traveling to Bogotá to oversee the national emergency response. He announced the formation of a unified command post to address the needs of the affected regions, particularly those in the Coffee-Growers' Axis.