47 dead in Colombia earthquake, several buildings collapsed, many trapped in rubble

BS News Agency: Earthquake in Colombia. Public life disrupted. A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday. At least 47 people were killed. The earthquake collapsed dozens of buildings and trapped residents under the rubble. Several people were injured and people were forced to flee their homes. The earthquake caused extensive damage across western Colombia and killed at least 47 people. It is estimated that the death toll could exceed 1,000 in the coming days. In an interview with Blue Radio, quoted by Reuters, the mayor of Pereira said that 18 people had died there. Of the dead, 18 were residents of the city of Pereira, Mayor Mauricio Salazar told Caracol Radio. He also said the situation was "critical". On the other hand, the mayor of Manizales said that at least three people had died there. Meanwhile, one person died and several people were trapped in a building collapse in Colombia's main Pacific port of Buenaventura. The city's mayor also said 20 buildings had collapsed in the city of Cali, trapping people inside. Later, 27 deaths were reported in the Valle de Cauca department, where Colombia's third-largest city, Cali, is located.

Colombia's aviation authority said damage was reported at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura and flights were suspended. in Palmar, a town of about 4,800 people. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at a depth of 107 km (62 miles). The quake was also felt in neighboring Venezuela and Ecuador.

Footage shared by local media showed houses and small buildings collapsing in the cities of Pereira, Cali and Quibdo. A spire of a neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed in Manizales, a city 300 kilometers west of Bogotá.

Panicked residents in many areas of Colombia rushed out of their homes and buildings after the quake. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage in the affected areas. Initial reports indicate that several buildings were damaged and injuries were reported in some areas.

Choco province Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba Currie said several people were injured in the earthquake. Several buildings were also damaged in the provincial capital, Quibdo. She advised people to be vigilant and warned of the possibility of more tremors in the near future. Local authorities and disaster management agencies are monitoring the situation after the earthquake. Damage to buildings and other structures in the affected area is being assessed. Authorities' priority is to ensure public safety and immediately launch relief and rescue operations in case of any possible aftershocks.