A 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific province of Choco in western Colombia on Monday morning, causing injuries and structural damage. The tremor was reported at 7:34 a.m. local time and was felt as far away as the Colombian capital, Bogota, and neighboring Venezuela.
According to Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 79 kilometers. The agency reported that the epicenter was located near the municipality of San Jose del Palmar. National officials stated they are currently coordinating with regional authorities to determine the full extent of the impact.
Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi confirmed via social media that the department of Choco experienced significant damage, particularly in the provincial capital of Quibdo. The governor reported that there are injuries and that buildings have been damaged, though a specific count of casualties or destroyed structures was not immediately available.
On a broader scale, the reach of the earthquake into Bogota and Venezuela indicates a wide geographic area of impact that may affect regional transportation or communication networks. The UNGRD's involvement signifies a coordinated federal response, which typically involves the deployment of emergency resources and funding to the western provinces. Local residents will likely experience service interruptions as authorities conduct safety inspections of buildings and public utilities to prevent further harm from potential aftershocks, a concern specifically noted by Governor Cordoba-Curi.
The immediate next steps involve the completion of a formal damage assessment by regional and national authorities. Governor Cordoba-Curi stated that an official report detailing the number of injuries and the specific scale of property damage will be issued shortly. Emergency crews remain on alert for aftershocks as they continue to survey the epicenter near San Jose del Palmar and the affected urban areas in Quibdo. No specific deadline for the final assessment has been set, but the UNGRD continues to monitor the situation.