7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Colombia, 79 Dead
Earthquake tremors were felt in Colombia, a South American nation, on Monday. Reports indicate that the tremors were felt in western Colombia. This powerful earthquake shook both Colombia and neighboring Ecuador. Panic ensued, forcing people to hastily evacuate their homes and buildings.
**Magnitude of 7.4**
Both the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the relevant Colombian agency reported the earthquake's magnitude as 7.4. Both agencies stated that the earthquake's epicenter was at a significant depth. They identified the epicenter as San José del Palmar, a region located approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Colombia's capital, Bogotá.
**79 Fatalities**
Following the earthquake, officials reported multiple instances of building collapses. There are also reports of people being trapped under the rubble. Current information indicates that 79 people have lost their lives, while rescue operations continue in various areas. Notably, this earthquake follows a series of tremors—measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude—that struck Venezuela in late June. Those earthquakes destroyed hundreds of buildings and claimed the lives of over 5,000 people; it was the most powerful earthquake to hit Venezuela in 125 years, a disaster that shook the entire nation.
**President Personally Takes Charge**
While minor earthquakes—known locally as "temblores"—are common in central and western Colombia, earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of 6.0 are rare. In 1999, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake near the city of Armenia resulted in the deaths of more than 1,100 people. Colombia's new President, Abelardo de la Espriella, stated on Monday that he has personally taken charge of the government's response to the emergency situation in San José del Palmar following the earthquake. He said, "You are not alone. The government stands with you and is taking action."
Earthquake Intensity on the Richter Scale
It is worth noting that earthquake intensity is measured using the Richter scale. In an earthquake with a magnitude of 4 to 4.9 on the Richter scale, household items may fall from their places. A magnitude of 5 to 5.9 can cause heavy objects and furniture to shift. A magnitude of 6 to 6.9 can cause cracks in a building's foundation. A magnitude of 7 to 7.9 can lead to building collapses. A magnitude of 8 to 8.9 poses a risk of tsunamis and causes widespread devastation. A magnitude of 9 or higher results in catastrophic destruction.
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