The ground shook dramatically across Colombia on Monday as a powerful earthquake struck the South American nation. The intense seismic event hit western Colombia, sending strong tremors that rattled both the host country and neighboring Ecuador. The sudden shaking triggered immediate panic among the public, forcing residents out of their homes and high-rise buildings and into the streets for safety.
Deep Epicenter Located
Both the United States Geological Survey and Colombia's corresponding agency measured the earthquake at a magnitude of 7.4. According to both agencies, the tremor originated from a significant depth underground. The epicenter was pinpointed at San Jose del Palmar, an area situated approximately 250 miles or 400 kilometers west of the Colombian capital, Bogota.
Damage Assessment and Regional Context
In the immediate aftermath of the quake, authorities reported no immediate confirmation of structural damage or injuries. This seismic activity follows a series of destructive tremors that hit Venezuela late in June, which registered at 7.4 and 7.5 magnitudes. Those previous earthquakes resulted in the destruction of hundreds of buildings and the tragic loss of over 5,000 lives.
