Bogota: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing 20 people and injuring hundreds, according to the information provided. Several buildings reportedly collapsed, while others developed cracks, triggering panic among residents.
The strong tremors were felt across parts of Colombia and in neighbouring Ecuador, prompting people to rush out of homes and buildings for safety.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) and Colombian authorities, the earthquake was centred in the municipality of San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, around 400 km west of the capital, Bogota. The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 107 km.
Chocó Governor Nubia Córdoba said several people were injured in the regional capital and that a number of buildings had suffered significant damage. Emergency teams have been assessing the situation and responding to reports of damage.
The powerful tremor also caused widespread alarm in neighbouring Ecuador, where residents reported feeling the earthquake.
Earlier earthquakes in Venezuela
The earthquake comes amid recent seismic activity in the region. The source material also refers to two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 that struck Venezuela in late June, causing extensive damage and reportedly killing thousands of people.
