7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia leaves at least 111 dead

*Updated 6.30 p.m. A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 111 people dead and others injured. The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) reported that the earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m., with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, located in the eastern part of the Chocó Department in west-central Colombia. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 82 kilometers, caused severe damage to buildings in Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó department. The earthquake was felt across several regions of Colombia and as far away as Ecuador’s capital, Quito.  In Bogotá, the tremor triggered alarms in some buildings and prompted precautionary evacuations, while authorities began assessing potential damage. The quake was felt across the country, with other regions also reporting lower-magnitude seismic activity. Chocó Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi confirmed the initial damage and expressed concern about the possibility of further tremors. “We have just experienced a severe earthquake in the department of Chocó. We are worried about aftershocks,” she said. Córdoba-Curi confirmed that despite the epicenter being in San José del Palmar, the most significant initial damage reports were concentrated in the capital, Quibdó, with “serious damage to buildings.” New president Colombian president Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office only three days ago, on August 7, confirmed through his X account that he has “directly assumed leadership of the emergency response,” announcing he’s ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post to coordinate assistance for those affected and address the reported damage.  He also noted that he requested a detailed report from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) on the situation and the most urgent needs. De la Espriella confirmed that he will be traveling to the area in person to assess the government’s response.  “You are not alone. The government is here and taking action,” he wrote. First official report President De la Espriella addressed the nation to announce the new death toll.  “By 12:30 p.m., we had 111 fatalities, 87 people injured, 1,575 homes damaged, 37 homes destroyed, 61 buildings collapsed, 18 health centers affected, 52 educational facilities damaged, 18 roads affected, and 6 airports with infrastructure damage and unable to operate commercial flights,” he said. “Today, all Colombians, regardless of political affiliation, must come together around a single cause: the victims of this natural disaster. The national government will respond to this tragedy as it should, and with God’s help, we will extend a hand to all Colombians,” the Colombian president said. He also issued “a peremptory order” to prioritize rescue efforts for people trapped beneath the rubble and addressed those affected.  “We will not leave you alone,” he said. “You are in our hearts, and we will stand by you with full determination.”