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A devastating earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck western Colombia on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. The epicenter of the seismic activity was in San José del Palmar, Chocó, but several regions were affected, including the city of Manizales in Caldas, where the iconic Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica suffered a catastrophic collapse.
Eyewitnesses described the aftermath of the earthquake as “surreal” and “terrifying”, with buildings shaking violently and debris scattered all over the streets. Rescue teams were quickly dispatched to the area, and a state of emergency was declared in Manizales.
“We were caught off guard,” said Juan Carlos Restrepo, a local resident. “The ground started shaking, and then the cathedral’s dome came crashing down. I saw people running for their lives. It was a nightmare.”
The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica, a historic landmark in Manizales, was severely damaged in the earthquake. The collapse of the dome, which was a defining feature of the cathedral, has left the community in shock.
“It’s a tragedy of epic proportions,” said President Gustavo Petro in a televised address. “Our hearts go out to the people of Manizales, who have been affected by this disaster. We will do everything in our power to support them during this difficult time.”
Rescue efforts are underway, with emergency responders working tirelessly to locate trapped survivors. Medical personnel have been evacuated to the area to provide aid to those injured in the disaster.
According to the National Seismological Center of Colombia, the earthquake was followed by several aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.8 tremor that struck the region on Friday morning.
The Colombian government has declared a state of emergency in Manizales, allowing authorities to mobilize resources and personnel to respond to the disaster. International aid has also been offered, with several countries pledging support to the affected regions.
As the rescue and recovery efforts continue, residents of Manizales are coming to terms with the destruction and devastation caused by the earthquake. While the full extent of the damage is still to be determined, one thing is clear: the Colombian government, local authorities, and the community will need to work together to rebuild and recover from this disaster.