At least 73 dead after 7.4-magnitude earthquake hits western Colombia

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, resulting in at least 111 deaths and causing significant damage to numerous buildings. The epicenter was in San Jose Del Palmar, a community of approximately 4,800 people in the Choco region, located about 250 miles west of Bogota. The quake caused 21 aftershocks, with the first one registering a magnitude of 5.2.

Cities such as Cali, Pereira, Quibdo, and Manizales were affected, and the quake was felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency and pledged to expedite funding for the recovery efforts. At least 87 people were injured, and around 1,600 buildings were damaged, including 61 that collapsed entirely.

The Pacific region, where the earthquake's epicenter lies, is part of the "Ring of Fire," a line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most earthquakes occur. The Choco region, where the earthquake's epicenter was located, is one of Colombia's poorest, making it difficult for authorities to assess the full extent of the damage.