At least 20 dead as major quake rocks Colombia, other countries

On Monday, a powerful earthquake struck Colombia and neighboring Latin American countries, leaving at least 20 people dead and causing extensive damage. The quake, with a magnitude of 7.4 according to the Colombian and US Geological Survey, had its epicenter 100km underground in the west of Colombia. Initial reports from the Colombian Geological Service had placed the magnitude at 6.6.

Mayor Mauricio Salazar of the town of Pereira reported that 18 people had lost their lives there, with others trapped in buildings that collapsed. In Manizales, Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas confirmed that two individuals had died in the disaster. The earthquake prompted building evacuations in Bogota, with emergency sirens sounding and residents fleeing their homes in their pajamas.

Colombian officials did not anticipate a tsunami following the early-morning quake, which was also felt in Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. The collapse of at least 20 buildings in the city of Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, left people trapped inside, prompting Mayor Valeria Polo to describe the quake as "very, very strong".

Six small airports in western Colombia suspended operations to manage the crisis. President Abelardo de la Espriella announced his travel plans to the quake-hit region.