Colombia Earthquake: Powerful 7.4-magnitude quake shakes Bogota, Choco

A massive earthquake has reportedly triggered evacuations in the Pacific Colombian province of Choco. 

Preliminary reports indicate widespread damages to infrastructure and loss of life after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake shaked Bogota. According to the U.S. Geological Survery (USGS), the earthquake occured at 7:34 a.m. local time.

The country’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management was in contact with the local authorities to verify potential damages.  

Choco’s provincial governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi revealed that the epicenter of the quake was San Jose del Palmer, adding, “there are injuries and significant damages to the buildings in the capital, Quibdo.”

In a post on X, the Colombian politician said: “We have just experienced a major earthquake in the department of Choco. We are concerned about the after shocks.”

Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi on X: "Acabamos de pasar un grave evento sísmico en el departamento del Chocó. Nos preocupan las réplicas. Aunque el epicentro fue San José del Palmar, en la capital Quibdó hay heridos y graves daños en las edificaciones. Ya estamos haciendo la evaluación de daños para emitir el primer" / X

Acabamos de pasar un grave evento sísmico en el departamento del Chocó. Nos preocupan las réplicas. Aunque el epicentro fue San José del Palmar, en la capital Quibdó hay heridos y graves daños en las edificaciones. Ya estamos haciendo la evaluación de daños para emitir el primer

She added that the government was carrying out a damage assessment and would share the first official report soon.

Severe tremors were also felt in the nation's capital, Bogota. 

In a post on X Mayor Carlos Galan shared, "At this time there are no reports of injuries or structural damage, only some cracks in the buildings." 

Carlos F. Galán on X: "Actualización

Actualización | Después del temblor que se sintió cerca de las 7:34am, y luego de un primer barrido por la ciudad para verificar, no se han reportado daños estructurales, solo algunas grietas que no ponen en riesgo la estructura de los edificios. Seguiremos recorriendo Bogotá

In a follow up update, he confirmed no significant damage to the buildings, adding, "We will continue patrolling Bogotá to verify there are no impacts or structural damage and will keep you informed." 

Contrary to the situation in Bogota, the Pereira Governor Juan Diego Patino reported some serious damages to the buildings in the province. He said, “What has occurred is very severe. The images are truly shocking, with people injured and building facades collapsed.” 

Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella has direcly assumed the leadership of the emergency response. 

He said: "I have directly assumed leadership of the emergency response in San José del Palmar. I have ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the attention to the damages and the affected individuals." 

"I have requested from the director of the UNGRD a detailed report on the situation and the most urgent needs. I will also be personally in Pereira to accompany the affected people and verify the Government's response. You are not alone."

Abelardo De La Espriella on X: "He asumido directamente el liderazgo de la atención por la emergencia en San José del Palmar. He ordenado la instalación de un Puesto de Mando Unificado para coordinar la atención de los daños y de los damnificados. Le he solicitado al director de la UNGRD un reporte detallado" / X

He asumido directamente el liderazgo de la atención por la emergencia en San José del Palmar. He ordenado la instalación de un Puesto de Mando Unificado para coordinar la atención de los daños y de los damnificados. Le he solicitado al director de la UNGRD un reporte detallado

"The State is present and acting. Strong for the Fatherland!"