A powerful earthquake has devastated parts of central Colombia, causing significant destruction and panic across major cities. The hardest-hit area appears to be downtown Bogotá, where a multi-story residential building partially collapsed, dramatically leaning onto a neighboring structure.
Authorities have confirmed multiple deaths and dozens of injuries so far, and many residents are believed to be trapped under the debris. The collapsed building, a red-brick apartment tower, has become the focal point of rescue efforts. Emergency responders are working tirelessly amid dangerous conditions to save those still inside.
The earthquake registered a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter near Villavicencio, located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Bogotá. The quake struck around 10:47 AM local time and lasted nearly 45 seconds, rattling windows and nerves across the region.
Residents from Medellín to Cali reported feeling the tremor, with many rushing out of buildings and into the streets for safety. Public transportation was halted in some areas, and phone networks were temporarily overwhelmed as people tried to contact loved ones.
The scene in Bogotá is especially dire. A photograph from the disaster site shows the wreckage scattered across the street below the leaning structure. Broken balconies, hanging air conditioning units, and snapped steel reinforcements reveal the extent of the damage.
Search-and-rescue teams, including firefighters and volunteers, have been deployed en masse. They are using heavy machinery to remove debris and carefully dig through the rubble, hoping to find survivors. Medical personnel are on-site treating injuries and preparing patients for hospital transport.
Government officials have declared a state of emergency in the affected regions and urged citizens to remain calm while damage assessments and rescue operations continue. Authorities are also warning of possible aftershocks in the coming hours.
This tragic event has left Colombia reeling, with the full toll still unfolding. The nation now watches and prays as brave responders battle time and danger to save lives and bring comfort to those affected by this disaster.
