Colombia: Magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs near Colombia, at around 21:50 July 31

Event

A magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake near Choco Department at around 21:50 July 31. The epicenter was about 173 km (107 miles) west-northwest of Buenaventura. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout Valle del Cauca and Choco departments. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties; however, light damage is possible in areas near the epicenter. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Moderate aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. If operating in affected areas, consider vacating multistory buildings until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.