Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Colombia, 132 Fatalities Reported in Chocó Province

A significant earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.4, struck Colombia, with its epicentre located in the Chocó province near the Pacific Coast. Current reports confirm that the disaster has claimed at least 132 lives, primarily within the affected coastal region.

The seismic event was powerful enough to be distinctly felt in urban centres situated hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre, highlighting the widespread impact of the tremor. Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating relief efforts in the most severely impacted areas.

This earthquake represents a stark reminder of Colombia's geological instability and the persistent challenges in safeguarding communities against natural disasters, particularly in less developed provinces like Chocó where infrastructure may be less resilient.