A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck central Colombia near Villavicencio, about 80 kilometers southeast of Bogotá, causing widespread damage across multiple cities and prompting large-scale emergency response efforts. The quake occurred at approximately 10:47 AM local time and lasted nearly 45 seconds, with tremors felt as far away as Medellín and Cali.
The most severe destruction was reported in Bogotá, where a multi-story residential building in the downtown area partially collapsed. The structure tilted dangerously onto an adjacent building, raising fears of further structural failure. Emergency officials confirmed multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries, while search-and-rescue operations continued amid concerns that additional residents may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene show significant devastation in the affected district. Debris covers the streets surrounding a red-brick apartment tower that suffered major structural collapse. Several balconies have fallen away entirely, exposed air-conditioning units hang from cracked exterior walls, and visible steel reinforcements suggest severe internal damage to the building’s framework.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and urban search-and-rescue teams, have been deployed in large numbers. Heavy machinery and emergency vehicles are positioned around the site as crews work to clear debris and locate survivors. The operation is being conducted under difficult conditions due to unstable structures and lingering dust clouds.
Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious, as aftershocks remain a concern and additional structural failures are possible. Engineers are assessing nearby buildings for safety risks, and evacuation zones have been established in parts of the capital.
The earthquake has caused widespread disruption to transportation and infrastructure, with reports of damaged roads and temporary communication outages in some districts. As rescue operations continue, officials warn that casualty numbers may rise as more information becomes available.
