A significant 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, prompting widespread evacuations and causing injuries and serious damage to buildings. The U.S. Geological Survey and Colombia's geological service reported the epicenter was located in San Jose Del Palmar, a municipality in the Choco region, approximately 250 miles west of the capital, Bogota. The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 66 miles.
Nubia Córdoba, the governor of Choco, stated via social media that the regional capital experienced "injuries and serious damage to buildings." Further details on the extent of the casualties and destruction were not immediately provided.
The powerful tremor was also felt in neighboring Ecuador, contributing to the urgency of evacuations. Residents in cities like Cali were seen gathering in parks and open spaces after leaving their homes and workplaces.
This earthquake follows a series of strong seismic events in the region. In late June, Venezuela experienced two consecutive earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, which resulted in the destruction of hundreds of buildings and a death toll exceeding 5,000.