Tragedy in Colombia: 7.4 magnitude earthquake leaves 132 dead and hundreds injured
Colombia is going through one of the most critical natural emergencies of the last decades after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook a large part of the national territory. According to the most recent records from Alofoke Deportes, the death toll has risen to 132 people, while another 570 have been injured amidst a scene of destruction that has mobilized the entire country.
An unprecedented seismic event in the 21st century
The phenomenon occurred last Monday, August 10, at 7:34 in the morning, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó. With a depth of 100 kilometers, this seismic movement has established itself as the strongest recorded in Colombia during the 21st century. To date, specialists have counted at least 18 aftershocks and warn that the geological instability in the area could continue.
The absolute priority of relief agencies is to locate the missing and provide immediate assistance in areas where structures collapsed, taking advantage of the first 48 hours after the disaster, a critical time for the survival of the victims.
Alofoke DeportesImpact on regions and rescue efforts
Although the epicenter was located in Chocó, the most severe damage is concentrated in cities such as Pereira, Cali, Manizales, Quibdó, and Armenia. In Cali, preliminary reports indicate 35 deaths and nearly 200 people still being searched for. Authorities have reported serious damage to the country’s infrastructure:
- 1,575 homes with structural damage.
- 37 homes completely destroyed.
- 61 residential and commercial buildings collapsed.
- Significant damage to health centers, schools, roads, and airports.
State response and current situation
Given the magnitude of the disaster, President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of national emergency and activated the Unified Command Post. The deployment of heavy machinery, military personnel, firefighters, and volunteer teams remains active in the points of greatest devastation. Likewise, air operations in western Colombia remain limited due to damage to terminals, which has complicated the transport of medical supplies and rescue equipment.
The Colombian Geological Service attributes this event to the tectonic dynamics of the Nazca plate, which is subducting under the South American plate. While family members wait for news in hospitals and shelters, Colombia remains on alert, aware that the death toll could still change as debris removal efforts progress in the most affected areas.
