A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, prompting authorities to suspend operations at several airports while emergency teams assessed possible damage.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at 12:34 GMT, with its epicentre about five kilometres east of San Jose del Palmar. The quake originated at a depth of approximately 107 kilometres (66.5 miles).
There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage following the initial tremor.
Colombia’s civil aviation authority temporarily suspended operations at six airports, including facilities serving Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura, to allow structural safety inspections.
A magnitude 5.0 aftershock was recorded at 13:18 GMT, around 16 kilometres west of San Jose del Palmar.
The US Tsunami Warning System said the earthquake posed no tsunami threat to the US West Coast, Alaska or Canada’s British Columbia.
The US Embassy in Bogota said it was monitoring developments and advised American citizens in Colombia to follow local information and remain in contact with family members.
Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella said he had taken direct oversight of the emergency response and ordered the establishment of a unified command post to coordinate government agencies.
Authorities continued assessing affected areas for structural damage and other consequences of the powerful earthquake.