BOGOTÁ, Colombia- A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least two people, injuring others and causing significant damage to buildings, according to reports from authorities and emergency officials.
The earthquake struck at about 7:34 a.m. local time, with the epicentre near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The epicentre was located roughly 250 kilometres west of Bogotá.
The USGS recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.4, while Colombia’s geological service placed the magnitude at 6.6, reflecting differences in preliminary measurements by the two agencies.
Buildings damaged
The strongest effects were reported in western Colombia, particularly in Chocó, where authorities reported injuries and severe damage to buildings.
At least two people had died in the aftermath, while dozens of buildings were reported to have collapsed or sustained damage, according to early reports.
The tremor was also strongly felt in Bogotá, where residents evacuated buildings as the ground shook. Reports indicated that alarms sounded in parts of the capital as people moved outside as a precaution.
Authorities in Bogotá initially reported no injuries or major structural damage in the capital, although some buildings developed cracks.
Tremors felt beyond Colombia
The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring countries, including Ecuador, prompting precautionary evacuations in some areas.
Emergency authorities have continued assessing damage as information from affected communities comes in.
The earthquake is the latest major seismic event to hit Colombia, a country that experiences frequent earthquakes because of its location in a seismically active part of South America.
Authorities are expected to continue checking buildings and infrastructure for damage while monitoring the area for possible aftershocks.
The full extent of casualties and damage was still being assessed as of Monday.
