Colombia quake kills 20, collapses buildings in Cali

A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday, killing at least 20 people and collapsing dozens of buildings in major cities. Rescue teams are scrambling to free trapped residents after tremors measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale rocked the region. The quake’s epicenter was near San José del Palmar in Chocó province, close to the Pacific coast, sending shockwaves through cities including Cali, Pereira, and Manizales.

Officials say the death toll could rise as emergency crews assess damage. Pereira’s mayor reported 18 fatalities, calling the situation “critical.” Cali’s mayor said at least 20 buildings had collapsed, trapping people inside, while Manizales confirmed two deaths. The quake was deep—about 107 kilometers underground—but its reach was widespread, shaking much of western Colombia and even neighboring countries like Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. Colombia’s civil aviation authority reported structural damage at six small airports, forcing flight suspensions until inspections are complete.

The quake struck just south of Tatamá National Nature Reserve, near the border of Chocó and Risaralda provinces. Its depth likely reduced the worst damage, but the shaking was strong enough to rattle cities more than 100 kilometers away. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 5.0 aftershock less than an hour later, raising fears of further collapses. Colombia’s disaster agency is still evaluating the full impact, but officials warn the death toll may climb as rescue teams reach more affected areas.

This quake highlights the risks along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide frequently. While Colombia’s deep quakes often cause less surface destruction, the proximity to populated areas like Cali and Pereira made this one unusually dangerous. Authorities have requested backup rescue teams from Bogotá and Medellín as they scramble to prevent more casualties. The coming days will show whether aftershocks or structural failures worsen the crisis as crews work around the clock.