A powerful magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 138 people and injuring 570 others, according to official figures. The tremor’s epicenter affected the departments of Valle del Cauca, Caldas, Chocó, and Risaralda, with the city of Cali bearing the brunt of the destruction.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency, pledging to commit all necessary resources to rescue operations, victim assistance, and the reconstruction of damaged areas. In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder imposed a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to maintain public order. Police and military personnel have been deployed to patrol streets and support search-and-rescue efforts.
Harrowing footage circulating on social media captures the moment buildings swayed and collapsed. One video filmed in Cali appears to show a balcony crashing down onto four people fleeing a clinic. Other recordings show sections of structures breaking away during the violent shaking.
The United States State Department has pledged $15.5 million in emergency humanitarian aid to Colombia. The funding is designated for shelter, food, protection services, and earthquake damage assessments.
The disaster comes weeks after twin earthquakes struck neighboring Venezuela in June, leaving more than 6,300 people dead. That earlier catastrophe underscored the region’s acute seismic vulnerability and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and coordinated cross-border disaster preparedness.
Authorities continue to assess the full scale of the damage in Colombia. Aftershocks remain a concern, and emergency crews are working around the clock to reach isolated communities. The government has urged citizens to follow official safety guidelines and remain alert for further seismic activity.
