Bogota (Colombia). Earthquake has caused huge devastation in Colombia. A national disaster has been declared in the country. At least 132 people have died so far. Colombia was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake at 7:34 am on Monday followed by a 4.8 magnitude earthquake at 8:18 am. Both times the epicenter was the San Jose del Palmar municipal area in the western state of Chocó. According to the Colombian Geological Service, the depth of the first earthquake was 98 kilometers and that of the second was 88 kilometers.
Locals and rescue workers are combing through the debris of collapsed buildings, The Bogota Post and ABC News report. The country’s President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national disaster after widespread destruction in several cities. According to the President, at least 132 people have died and 572 have been injured in this disaster. The most affected areas include Pereira and Cali cities. Dozens of people have been confirmed dead in these areas.
The president said at least 61 buildings collapsed and more than 1,600 houses were damaged or destroyed by the quake. He said dozens of health centres, community centers and roads were also damaged. It is reported that seven airports in the cities of Armenia, Cali, Manizales, Pereira, Queibado, Buenaventura and Cartago stopped their services after the earthquake.
Officials said there were no reports of any building collapse in the capital Bogota. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring countries including Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama. This disaster occurred after a 3.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Venezuela’s Santa Ana del Tachira Municipality at 12:57 am on August 9.