Colombia Reels as Major Quake Claims Dozens of Lives

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck Colombia on Friday, sending tremors through the capital Bogotá and other major urban centers such as Cali and Medellín. The shaking, which lasted for nearly a minute, toppled buildings and triggered panic among residents.

Authorities confirmed at least 69 fatalities as of Saturday morning, with the number expected to climb. Emergency crews are combing through collapsed structures in the hardest-hit areas, where many people remain unaccounted for. Hospitals report treating hundreds of injuries, ranging from fractures to trauma-related conditions.

The quake's epicenter was located in a rural region southwest of Bogotá, according to the national geological service. Aftershocks, some reaching magnitude 5.2, have rattled the area overnight, complicating rescue efforts and prompting fears of further building collapses.

In Bogotá, office workers and schoolchildren rushed into

In Bogotá, office workers and schoolchildren rushed into the streets as alarms blared, while older buildings in the historic district suffered cracks and partial facade failures. Mayor Claudia López urged residents to stay away from damaged structures and to use emergency hotlines only for life-threatening situations.

Rescue teams, including specialized units with sniffer dogs and thermal imaging gear, have been working through the debris in towns near the epicenter, where access roads were blocked by landslides. The military has deployed helicopters to airlift the wounded to larger hospitals.

President Gustavo Petro declared a state of emergency in the affected regions and pledged swift federal aid. International offers of assistance have poured in from neighboring countries and global agencies, with the United Nations ready to deploy assessment teams.

As daylight breaks, the focus shifts to recovery

As daylight breaks, the focus shifts to recovery and the grim task of identifying victims. Officials warn that the final death toll could be significantly higher, underscoring the quake's devastating impact on a nation already grappling with economic challenges. For now, Colombians are left to pick up the pieces amid a landscape of shattered homes and shattered hopes.