7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Colombia, Injures Several

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, triggering evacuations in several cities and leaving people injured while damaging buildings in the Chocó region.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicentre in San José del Palmar, Chocó Department, about 280 kilometres west of Bogotá.

The earthquake struck at a depth of 107 kilometres, with tremors felt across several parts of the country, including the capital, Bogotá, according to the USGS.

Nubia Carolina Córdoba Curi, governor of Chocó, confirmed that people were injured and buildings severely damaged in Quibdó, the regional capital. She also expressed concern about possible aftershocks.

In Bogotá, the tremor triggered alarms and prompted residents of several buildings to evacuate to the streets as a precaution.

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Galán said there were no immediate reports of injuries or major structural damage in the capital, although some buildings developed cracks.

Authorities were assessing the extent of the damage in affected areas while monitoring the situation for possible aftershocks.