Families flee homes as 7.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Colombia

A family in Colombia captured the harrowing moment they fled their home during a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Monday. Liliana Pérez Ocampo and her family managed to escape just moments before their house was violently shaken. They filmed their escape, which has since gained attention for illustrating the chaos caused by the quake.

The earthquake struck in the early afternoon, sending tremors across a large area of the country. Many residents initially believed it was a typical mild tremor, common in the region. However, as the shaking intensified for over 30 seconds, it became clear that this was a significant seismic event. “At first, we thought it was just a mild tremor like the ones that usually happen in Colombia, but when more than 30 seconds passed and everything was shaking harder, we realized it was an earthquake,” Pérez Ocampo told the BBC.

The aftermath of the quake has been devastating, with at least 169 confirmed fatalities. This earthquake is now recognized as the strongest to hit Colombia in the 21st century, according to the country’s Geological Service. Many buildings have collapsed, and emergency services are working to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected. Despite their ordeal, Pérez Ocampo expressed relief that her family, including her two young children who were at school during the quake, are safe. “In the end, material things can be replaced,” she noted. “The most important thing is life, and we have that.”

As rescue efforts continue, the government and local organizations are mobilizing resources to support the victims. The significance of this earthquake goes beyond the immediate destruction; it raises concerns about building safety standards and preparedness for future seismic events in Colombia. The nation's resilience will be tested as it seeks to recover from this tragedy and ensure the safety of its citizens in the face of natural disasters.