A powerful earthquake has struck central Colombia, leaving a trail of destruction across multiple cities. One of the most harrowing scenes emerged in downtown Bogotá, where a multi-story apartment complex partially collapsed. The building now leans dangerously against a neighboring structure, highlighting the quake’s severe impact on urban infrastructure.

The earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, struck around 10:47 AM local time. Its epicenter was located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Bogotá, near the city of Villavicencio. The tremor lasted nearly 45 seconds and was felt across a wide area, reaching as far as Medellín and Cali.

Emergency services have confirmed numerous fatalities and dozens of injuries. The death toll may rise, as many individuals are still believed to be trapped under rubble. In Bogotá, the structural collapse of a red-brick residential tower has become a focal point of search and rescue efforts.

Photos from the scene show a street littered with debris, snapped steel reinforcements, and collapsed balconies. Air conditioning units hang perilously from fractured walls. Rescue crews, firefighters, and emergency personnel are working tirelessly, using heavy machinery to sift through the wreckage in hopes of finding survivors.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and more information is expected as operations progress. For now, the priority remains saving lives and stabilizing damaged buildings to prevent further tragedy. The quake has served as a sobering reminder of Colombia’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure.

Approximately 80 kilometers southeast of the capital, close to Villavicencio, was the epicenter of the 6.3-magnitude earthquake. Around 10:47 AM local time, the tremor occurred, causing the ground to tremble for almost 45 seconds and being felt as far away as Medellín and Cali.