The earthquake in Colombia has caused damage and loss of life. What is known

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 occurred in the west of Colombia in the Choco department, where buildings were destroyed and injured. The source was located near the city of San Jose del Palmar at a depth of 96 km. The country's authorities reported on search and rescue operations and an assessment of the consequences of the disaster. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

What is known about the earthquake in Colombia

The Colombian Geological Survey clarified the magnitude of the earthquake that occurred in the west of the country — it was 7.4. Earlier, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center reported a magnitude of 6.8. According to The Guardian newspaper, citing the Colombian General Maritime Administration, the tremors were recorded at 07:34 local time (15:34 GMT) at 20 km from San Jose del Palmar in the Choco department.

According to the portal Reporteros Asociados del Mundo, strong tremors were felt in nine departments of the country and in all 32 administrative centers of Colombia. Javier Pava, director of the National Risk Management Unit, said that experts continue to collect information about the consequences of the incident.

No tsunami threat was announced for the Pacific coast of the country after the earthquake. At the same time, experts are clarifying information about the damage and possible casualties. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring regions, including the capital Bogota.

The consequences of a natural disaster

According to the regional department of the National Risk Management Unit, at least one person was killed and 10 others were injured in the Choco department. In addition, three people are missing. The information about this was distributed by the newspaper El Espectador.

In the city of Kibdo, which is the administrative center of Choco, damage to buildings was recorded. The Governor of the Nubia Department, Carolina Cordoba-Khoury, reported casualties and serious damage to urban infrastructure. According to the Caracol TV channel, six people could be under the rubble of one of the buildings.

It is reported that rescuers and local residents are involved in the search for people who could be trapped under the rubble of destroyed structures. The authorities continue to check the condition of buildings in different municipalities of the region, the Associated Press adds.

The reaction of the authorities

According to the authorities, the earthquake destroyed at least three buildings in the city of Kibdo. There were also reports of serious damage from the city of Pereira. The mayor of the city, Mauricio Salazar, announced the death of 18 people as a result of the earthquake, The Times of India said.

In addition, the disaster affected the operation of several airports in the country. The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority reported damage at the airports of Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura. The international airport of the country's capital continued to operate normally.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said he was leading the earthquake response. He ordered the creation of a single command post to coordinate rescue operations and announced his intention to visit Pereira to monitor the actions of the authorities.