Buildings collapse, panic grips residents as quake shakes Colombia – 10 visuals that capture horror
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 47 people and causing widespread destruction across several cities, news agency AP reported.Buildings collapsed, residents rushed out of homes and panic spread as strong tremors were felt as far away as Bogotá and neighbouring Ecuador.The epicentre was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, around 400 km west of Bogotá, at a depth of about 107 km, according to the US geological survey.The earthquake caused significant damage at Matecaña International Airport in Pereira, where strong tremors sent people into a panic.The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Manizales suffered major damage, with a large crack appearing along its facade. One of its towers also collapsed onto the nave.The earthquake struck with enough force to shake Pereira airport, where people were seen reacting to the sudden tremors.Several buildings collapsed in Cali, with footage showing the extent of the destruction caused by the quake.At least 18 people were killed in Pereira, where several buildings collapsed and people were reportedly trapped inside the rubble.Manizales reported two deaths, while the city also witnessed damage to its historic neo-Gothic cathedral.In Quibdó, Chocó Governor Nubia Córdoba reported injuries and serious damage to buildings, with homes and other structures affected by the earthquake.The powerful tremors triggered panic and evacuations in Bogotá, hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre, as residents rushed out of buildings.Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said he would personally supervise recovery operations and establish an emergency centre in San José del Palmar.The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador, as authorities continued to assess damage and casualties.
