Strong 7.4-magnitude quake hits Colombia, 132 dead

• A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday
• At least 132 people died and many buildings collapsed
• Rescue operations continue as authorities assess the damage

At least 132 people were killed after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, Reuters reported. The powerful tremor caused dozens

of buildings to collapse, trapping residents under debris and leaving several people injured. Authorities evacuated residents from affected areas as rescue operations continued. The earthquake was centred near San José del Palmar, a community of around 4,800 people located nearly 400 kilometres west of Bogotá. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at a depth of approximately 107 kilometres. The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Ecuador, according to initial reports.

Colombia Earthquake

The tremors were reportedly felt across several parts of Colombia, including Bogotá, Antioquia, Cundinamarca and Meta, according to initial reports.

Magnitude Revised As Reports Emerge

Early international alerts had placed the earthquake at around 7.4 magnitude, while reports from people in Colombia cited varying readings as seismic agencies continued to assess the event. USGS was also being cited locally with a 7.4 reading.

Such magnitude figures can be revised in the minutes and hours following a major earthquake as seismic agencies analyse additional data.

Tremors Felt Across Colombia

Reports from residents indicated that the earthquake was felt in multiple parts of the country.

Initial social-media reports from Colombia described people evacuating buildings and gathering outside after feeling the shaking. However, there was no independently verified information available yet confirming deaths, injuries or major structural damage.

Emergency authorities and local agencies were continuing to assess the situation.

The SGC has urged people who felt the earthquake to report their experience through its seismic monitoring system.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates on possible damage and casualties as assessment teams reach affected areas.

This is a developing story. More details are awaited from Colombian authorities and international seismic monitoring agencies.