7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Colombia, Buildings Collapse as Residents Flee for Safety

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck Colombia, triggering panic as residents ran for their lives while buildings shook and some structures collapsed.

Dramatic footage circulating online shows people fleeing collapsing buildings and seeking safety as the powerful tremor struck.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred near the El Cairo region in Colombia’s Chocó province, on the country’s Pacific coast. The epicentre was located at a depth of approximately 79 kilometres near San José del Palmar.

Quibdó, the capital of Chocó province, was reportedly among the worst-affected areas.

Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi said several people were injured and that buildings sustained significant damage following the earthquake.

There were also reports that people may have been trapped beneath large concrete blocks in Quibdó as emergency responders worked to assess the extent of the damage and rescue those affected.

Authorities are expected to continue assessing the situation as details of casualties and structural damage emerge.