In order to provide you with the best online experience this website uses cookies.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more.
Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes western Colombia
Jessica Huras
Jessica Huras is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience creating travel and food content. In addition to writing for PAX, she’s a content editor for LCBO Food & Drink magazine and her work has also appeared in the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, Toronto Life, Chatelaine and Elle Canada.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia Monday morning (Aug. 10), causing widespread damage in several parts of the country, including Cali, Pereira and Chocó.
At least 164 people have been confirmed dead and scores more were injured as rescue crews continued searching collapsed buildings Tuesday (Aug. 11).
The earthquake struck shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar.
Tremors were reported in cities across Colombia, with the U.S. Geological Survey estimating that approximately 10.5 million people experienced shaking.
Homes and multi-storey buildings collapsed during the earthquake, leaving people trapped beneath the wreckage, reports USA Today.
Police officers, soldiers and volunteers worked through the night, using excavators and their hands to clear debris and search for survivors.
At least 85 people have died in Cali, located approximately 240 kilometres south of the epicentre, Mayor Alejandro Eder said, according to USA Today.
More than 800 people were injured in the city.
Eder said at least 25 people were trapped beneath one completely collapsed building.
In Pereira, the capital of Risaralda department, authorities reported 66 deaths.
Another 13 people were reported dead in Chocó, the sparsely populated department where the earthquake was recorded.
People remained trapped beneath debris Tuesday morning as crews continued working at affected sites.
Eder said responders would continue searching until every resident had been found.
Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today! Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.
