7.4 quake near Popayán kills one, 12 missing

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake rocked southern Colombia early Friday, sending tremors through the region and collapsing buildings in the city of Popayán. The quake struck at 1:18 a.m. local time near the town of Arce, about 15 miles east of the Pacific coast, according to Colombia’s Geological Service. Videos circulating on social media show people fleeing buildings as the ground shakes violently, with reports of at least one death and several injuries. Rescue teams are now searching for survivors trapped under rubble.

Colombia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot for seismic activity where tectonic plates collide. The country experiences frequent earthquakes, but a 7.4-magnitude tremor is rare and particularly destructive. The last major quake of this size hit in 1999, killing over 1,000 people in the town of Armenia. This time, the epicenter was closer to populated areas like Popayán, a city of nearly 300,000, raising concerns about infrastructure damage. Aftershocks continue to rattle the region, complicating rescue efforts.

Emergency responders say at least 12 people are still missing, with hospitals treating dozens of injuries. In Popayán, power outages and phone service disruptions have made communication difficult. Colombia’s National Risk Management Unit has deployed teams to assess damage and coordinate aid. Neighbors are helping clear debris, while officials warn residents to stay away from damaged structures.

Geologists say the quake may have shifted stress along nearby faults, increasing the risk of further tremors. The government has declared a state of emergency in affected areas. With rescue efforts ongoing, the full scale of the disaster is still unclear. What’s certain is that this quake will test Colombia’s preparedness in one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.