Numerous cities have been devastated by a strong earthquake that struck central Colombia. The most striking sight came from downtown Bogotá, where a multi-story apartment complex partially collapsed and leaned dangerously on top of a nearby building. Numerous fatalities and dozens of injuries have been confirmed by emergency services, and many locals are still thought to be trapped beneath the debris.
Approximately 80 kilometers southeast of the capital, close to Villavicencio, was the epicenter of the 6.3-magnitude earthquake. Around 10:47 AM local time, the tremor occurred, causing the ground to tremble for almost 45 seconds and being felt as far away as Medellín and Cali.
Below a red-brick residential tower that has experienced a catastrophic structural failure, debris is scattered across the street in the scene’s photo. Steel reinforcements are clearly snapped, air conditioners dangle precariously from cracked walls, and balconies have collapsed. As search and rescue operations continue through dust and chaos, rescue teams and firefighters are seen coordinating in the foreground, supported by emergency vehicles and heavy machinery.
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