Colombia quake kills 69 near Bogotá

At least 69 people have been killed in a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck near Bogotá, Colombia, officials said on Thursday. The quake, which hit at 1:14 p.m. local time, was centered near the town of Villamaría in the Caldas department, about 150 kilometers northwest of the capital. Rescuers are still searching for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. The tremors were felt as far as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, sending panicked residents into the streets.

Colombia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide, making it prone to earthquakes. The country experiences about 2,500 seismic events annually, though most are minor. This quake is one of the strongest in recent years, with tremors felt across a wide area. The depth of the quake—about 30 kilometers—helped limit some damage, but shallow quakes cause more destruction. The region’s infrastructure, particularly older buildings, is especially vulnerable.

Rescue teams, including firefighters and local volunteers, are working through the night with dogs and heavy machinery. Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, declared a state of emergency and urged calm. Near the epicenter, hospitals and schools reported cracks in walls, and power outages affected thousands. Landslides blocked roads, complicating relief efforts. The government has opened temporary shelters for displaced families.

Experts warn aftershocks could last for days, increasing risks of further collapses. The government is assessing damage to critical infrastructure like water and electricity networks. International aid groups, including the Red Cross, have offered support. This quake highlights the need for stronger building codes and disaster preparedness in high-risk areas. Recovery efforts will take weeks, with a focus on rescuing survivors and restoring essential services.