A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 in magnitude has struck Colombia, causing extensive damage, including damage to buildings, and injuring several people.
The Governor of Chocó Province, Nubia Carolina Córdoba, said that some people were injured in the earthquake, although she did not provide a specific number. She added that there were concerns that smaller aftershocks could follow.
The earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m. Colombia time. It had a depth of 96 kilometers, according to Colombia’s geological agency.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of San José del Palmar.
The earthquake was also felt in the capital city, Bogotá, where some buildings were evacuated as a precaution to prevent accidents.
In the city of Manizales, footage released by the media showed damaged buildings, while residents were urged to leave areas that could pose a danger to them.
Colombia’s aviation authorities reported damage at several regional airports, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura.
The earthquake occurred less than two months after two other major earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, killing more than 6,100 people.
