BOGOTA — A devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday morning (Aug 10), killing at least 111 people, flattening dozens of buildings, and sending shockwaves that were felt as far away as Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.

Emergency crews are racing against time to pull survivors from the rubble after the quake hit the coastal Choco region at 7:34 am local time. The tremor, which had its epicentre 100 kilometres deep in the municipality of San Jose del Palmar, has left a trail of destruction across multiple regions.

Risaralda region bears the brunt

The hardest-hit area so far is the Risaralda region, where at least 40 people have lost their lives. “The situation is critical,” said Mauricio Salazar, the mayor of Pereira, the provincial capital, in an interview with Caracol Radio.

In the Valle del Cauca department, 27 people were killed, while two more died in the city of Manizales, located in Colombia’s coffee-growing heartland. The quake was so violent that it caused a tower of Manizales’ beloved cathedral to collapse, according to an AFP journalist on the ground.

“Traffic is paralyzed and people don’t want to go back to their homes for fear of an aftershock,” said Jaime Zuluaga, a 50-year-old administrator in the city, describing the widespread damage.

Cali and Choco hit hard

Colombia’s third-largest city, Cali, is also reeling. Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed that 20 buildings have crumbled, trapping people beneath the debris. Meanwhile, the governor of Choco warned of serious damage in the provincial capital Quibdo, where videos showed more buildings reduced to rubble. The death toll in that impoverished region remains unknown.

Neighbouring countries feel the shake

The powerful tremor was also felt in Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela, prompting building evacuations even in the capital Bogota. Still in their pajamas, crowds of people rushed out into the streets upon feeling the quake, AFP reporters observed. Fortunately, only minimal damage was recorded in the capital.

Travel disruption and international support

Six small airports in western Colombia have suspended operations, and the soccer governing body has postponed upcoming matches.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was sworn in just last Friday, said he was heading to Bogota to convene an emergency meeting. “To the Colombians who are going through difficult times today, I want to say: You are not alone,” he added.

The United States, Israel, Mexico, and Ecuador have all offered their support. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X that Washington is “closely monitoring the large earthquake that struck Colombia and stands ready to support the people of Colombia”.

The disaster comes just two months after twin earthquakes in Venezuela—magnitude 7.2 and 7.5—killed more than 6,000 people and caused widespread destruction.

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Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Stay safe, and follow official guidance if you’re in the region.