Strong Earthquake Strikes Colombia: Reports of Injuries and Damage
The tremor, with a magnitude close to 7, was also felt in Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama. In the Colombian capital of Bogota, residents fled to the streets, and provincial governors in the west of the country reported injuries and significant damage to buildings in the cities of Quibdo and Pereira.
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of at least 6.6 struck Colombia on Monday. The tremor was felt in several areas, including the capital, Bogota, where buildings were seen swaying.
While the full extent of the damage is currently unknown, two provincial governors in the west of the country have reported injuries and significant structural damage in the cities of Quibdo and Pereira. The quake occurred at 7:34 AM local time. Initial reports from seismological institutes estimated the magnitude at 7.4, but this was later revised to 6.8 and 6.6.
According to reports, the epicenter was located at a depth of 115 kilometers near San Jose del Palmar, a settlement approximately 400 kilometers west of Bogota. The tremors were also felt in neighboring Ecuador, including the capital, Quito, as well as in Venezuela and Panama.
In Bogota, the earthquake caused widespread panic, prompting many residents and tourists to evacuate buildings. No tsunami warning was issued.
This incident follows two deadly earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June. Those tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, resulted in the deaths of over 5,000 people and the destruction of hundreds of buildings.
