At least 111 killed after powerful earthquake hits western Colombia
BOGOTA: At least 111 people were killed after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia early on Monday, knocking down buildings across several cities and injuring 87 more, with still others trapped in the rubble. The quake struck just days after Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as president, thrusting the new administration into its first major crisis, with memories still fresh of…
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck western Colombia early Monday, resulting in at least 111 fatalities and injuring 87 others. The disaster caused widespread damage, toppling buildings in several cities and leaving some trapped under the rubble. President Abelardo De La Espriella faced his first major crisis upon taking office just days earlier, as the nation grappled with the recent devastating earthquakes in neighboring Venezuela.
In a national address, President Espriella declared a state of emergency and vowed to deploy all government resources to rescue those trapped and assist affected communities. The quake, originating near San Jose del Palmar in Colombia's eastern Pacific coast province of Choco, was felt across the country, prompting a swift response from authorities.
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