Devastating Earthquake in Colombia: 164 Dead, 87 Injured, National Emergency Declared
BOGOTÁ: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, resulting in the deaths of at least 164 people and leaving more than 880 others injured. Colombian authorities said the violent shaking caused widespread destruction, including buildings, multi-storey buildings and homes in several cities. The emergency rescue team, military forces and local volunteers are working hard and desperately to find survivors under the debris and to rescue them.
At least 32 cities and towns have been severely affected, with critical infrastructure being particularly impacted, officials said. Structural damages were reported in more than 10 regional airports, such as Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó, resulting in temporary flight suspensions and disruptions. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the tremor was a magnitude 7.4 at a depth of about 107 kilometers. It was located in the remote Chocó department on the Pacific coast of Colombia, although it was felt strongly throughout Colombia and in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.