A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the South American country of Colombia on Monday night has caused widespread devastation. So far, 132 people have reportedly died, while 570 others are said to be injured. Several buildings have collapsed in different areas, while a large number of homes have been damaged.
More Than 1,500 Homes Damaged
According to officials, 86 buildings have completely collapsed across the country. More than 1,500 homes have also been damaged. In addition, 18 health centers and 52 schools have reportedly been affected.
Operations Halted at Seven Airports
Following the earthquake, operations at seven airports have been suspended. Red alerts have been issued in five cities. The government has stepped up relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.
The President has called an emergency committee meeting to review the situation and has begun monitoring relief and rescue efforts.
Pereira Reports the Highest Number of Deaths
Around 60 people have reportedly died in Pereira alone. The city, which has a population of around 500,000, is located less than 64 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter. Strong tremors were also felt in several cities, including the capital Bogotá. Panicked residents rushed out of their homes and buildings and gathered on the streets.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at around 7:34 a.m. on Monday. Its epicenter was reportedly near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region. The earthquake occurred at a depth of around 107 kilometers.
Images Show the Scale of the Devastation
Several buildings collapsed following the earthquake. Debris was seen scattered across roads and vehicles. Furniture inside apartments was also knocked over due to the tremors. In Cali and Bogotá, people were evacuated from buildings as a precaution. Patients were also moved out of hospitals to safer locations.
Why Does Colombia Experience Frequent Earthquakes
Colombia's geographical location makes it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Thousands of small and large earthquakes are recorded in the country every year. Several tectonic plates, including the Nazca, Cocos and South American plates, are active around Colombia. The collision of these plates and the process in which one plate moves beneath another cause continuous movement beneath the Earth's surface. This is why the region frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity.