BREAKING NEWS: Catastrophic Earthquake Devastates Central …

A devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck central Colombia late this morning, causing widespread destruction across several major cities and sending shockwaves of panic through communities. One of the most harrowing scenes unfolded in downtown Bogotá, where a multi-story red-brick apartment complex partially collapsed. The structure now leans precariously against a neighboring building, a chilling reminder of how vulnerable urban infrastructure can be in the face of natural disaster.

The earthquake struck at approximately 10:47 AM local time, with its epicenter located around 80 kilometers southeast of the capital, near the city of Villavicencio. The tremor lasted close to 45 seconds, violently shaking the ground and triggering alarm systems, power outages, and building evacuations. The quake’s force was felt well beyond the epicenter, with reports of strong shaking reaching as far as Medellín and Cali.

In Bogotá, emergency crews rushed to the site of the collapsed apartment building, which has become the central focus of ongoing rescue operations. Photos from the scene reveal a street covered in rubble, broken glass, and fragments of twisted metal. Entire balconies have crumbled. Steel reinforcements once hidden inside the walls now jut out like snapped bones, while air conditioning units dangle dangerously over the edge of the broken façade.

Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries throughout the affected regions. However, the number is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. Many people are feared to be trapped beneath collapsed buildings, and time is critical. Firefighters, paramedics, and civil defense teams are working around the clock, using cranes, bulldozers, and handheld tools in the hopes of locating survivors. Sniffer dogs have also been deployed to detect signs of life within the debris.

In a press briefing, officials emphasized the need for caution, urging residents to avoid damaged buildings and follow instructions from emergency personnel. Structural engineers are being dispatched across the region to assess the safety of bridges, apartment towers, and public infrastructure.

The government has not ruled out the possibility of aftershocks, and citizens are advised to remain alert. Temporary shelters are being established for displaced families, and emergency hotlines have been activated to assist those in need of support or information about missing relatives.

This event has served as a stark reminder of Colombia’s exposure to seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Experts and citizens alike are calling for renewed attention to earthquake-resistant construction and improved urban planning standards.

For now, the nation’s focus remains on saving lives, stabilizing structures, and beginning the long road to recovery in the wake of one of the most powerful quakes to hit the country in recent years.