7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Colombia’s Pacific Coast

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia’s Pacific coastal region, causing significant damage and injuring several people, according to Nubia Carolina Cordoba, governor of Choco province.

The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday (August 10), according to Colombia’s Geological Service. The quake originated at a depth of around 96 kilometers underground. The US Geological Survey said the epicenter was located about 5 kilometers east of the village of San Jose del Palmar.

Despite its deep origin, the earthquake was strong enough to cause intense shaking hundreds of kilometers away in the capital Bogota. Several high-rise buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

Videos from the coffee-producing city of Manizales showed a multi-story building collapsing, while local residents were seen attempting to rescue people trapped under the rubble. Images circulating on social media also showed the damaged top section of a historic church in Manizales.