A devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia late Tuesday morning, shaking large parts of the country and causing significant destruction. The quake’s epicenter was located near Villavicencio, approximately 80 kilometers southeast of the capital city, Bogotá. Despite the distance, tremors were strongly felt throughout Bogotá and even reached as far as Medellín and Cali, triggering widespread alarm.
The earthquake hit at 10:47 AM local time and lasted for about 45 seconds. In Bogotá, one of the most alarming incidents was the partial collapse of a red-brick apartment complex. The building tilted dangerously against a neighboring structure, leaving behind a trail of rubble, shattered balconies, and twisted steel reinforcements. The collapse has led to confirmed fatalities and dozens of injuries, with many more feared trapped beneath the debris.
Emergency response teams are actively working at the scene. Firefighters, search-and-rescue units, and heavy equipment operators are navigating hazardous conditions in a desperate attempt to reach survivors. The area surrounding the collapsed apartment has been cordoned off to facilitate rescue operations, as authorities caution that the structure may be unstable and further collapses are possible.
Eyewitness accounts and images from the site reveal the extent of the destruction: cracked walls, exposed wires, and debris-strewn streets. Rescue workers are seen coordinating efforts amid the chaos, while emergency vehicles crowd the area. Throughout Colombia, the violent shaking prompted evacuations from schools, offices, and apartment buildings, with many residents gathering outside in fear of aftershocks.
Officials are continuing to assess the scope of the disaster and have warned that more tremors could follow. Authorities are urging the public to stay away from damaged zones and allow emergency personnel to work without disruption. While the situation remains fluid, the government is mobilizing resources to address the immediate humanitarian crisis and ensure public safety. As recovery efforts continue, more information will emerge about the full impact of this tragic event.
