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Colombia earthquake: 7.4 magnitude tremor sparks evacuations
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar, Chocó, causing significant shaking felt in multiple cities including Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó.
- The quake partially collapsed the facade of Iglesia San José in Pereira, caused structural damage to numerous buildings, and led to the suspension of the Manizales aerial cable car system due to safety concerns.
- At least two deaths were reported in Manizales, with local officials warning of widespread damage and overwhelmed health centers, particularly in the town of Nóvita where the mayor declared a state of high alert.
- Over two million people experienced strong shaking, with USGS estimating a one-in-three chance that fatalities could exceed 1,000 due to the considerable damage to poorly built structures.
- Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has convened an emergency committee and is personally leading disaster response efforts from Bogotá to assist affected communities.
