Powerful Quake Strikes
A building collapsed in the centre of Pereira, in the Colombian department of Risaralda, during the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook the country on Monday.
Footage recorded at the scene shows the moment the Villa 1 building collapses, kicking up a cloud of dust as pedestrians flee the area.
Cities Face Damage
The quake caused significant damage in Pereira and in other cities in western Colombia, including Manizales and Cali.
According to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), the quake recorded on 10 August, with its epicentre in San José del Palmar, Chocó, had a magnitude of 7.4 and an approximate depth of 103 kilometres, making it the strongest recorded in Colombia in the past decade.
Deaths And Aftershocks
The tremor was widely felt across the country and also in Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama, while the SGC reported at least two aftershocks, of magnitudes 2.8 and 4.8.
According to an initial tally by the authorities, the earthquake left at least 52 dead.
Rescue Efforts Continue
In Pereira, where several buildings collapsed, Mayor Mauricio Salazar described the situation as critical, while in Manizales the collapse of between 20 and 30 homes was reported and three shelters were opened for those affected.
President Abelardo de la Espriella convened an emergency committee, ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the response to the damage and the victims, and announced that he would travel to Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities. The authorities continue rescue efforts, the treatment of the injured and the assessment of damage, while several airports in the region remained closed.
Miguel Ángel Moreno, via Viory.Video
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