Powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes Colombia

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the tremor was felt around 7:34am local time on Monday (August 10).

The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 5 kilometers east of San José del Palmar in the country's Chocó department. Its hypocenter was at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers below the surface.

However, the US Tsunami Warning System reported the magnitude of the earthquake as 7.1. No tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake.

Strong tremors were felt across various regions of Colombia. Initial reports also indicated that the shaking was felt in areas near the Venezuelan border outside the country's mainland.

Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi, Governor of the Chocó department, stated that several people were injured in the earthquake. A number of structures were significantly damaged in Quibdó, the capital of the department.

She said that authorities are working to assess the extent of the damage. At the same time, everyone has been urged to remain vigilant regarding potential subsequent earthquakes or aftershocks.