A powerful earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, with the US Geological Survey recording the tremor at a magnitude of 7.4. The quake occurred at 12:34 UTC at a depth of 107 kilometers, with its epicenter located five kilometers east of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco department. While the US Tsunami Warning System measured the event at magnitude 7.1, it confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued.
Tremors were felt across various regions of Colombia, including major cities like Bogota, Cali, and Medellin, where public buildings were evacuated as a precaution. The shaking was also reported as far as the border with Venezuela. Authorities have confirmed that the earthquake caused injuries and significant structural damage in Quibdo, the capital of the Choco department.
Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi stated that officials are currently conducting damage assessments and warned residents to remain alert for potential aftershocks. Colombia remains one of South America's most seismically active nations due to its proximity to multiple tectonic plate boundaries and major fault systems.
