Colombia: Dozens killed after large earthquake rocks region
A powerful earthquake, measured at magnitude 7.4, has struck Colombia, killing at least 73 people. Cities including Cali, Pereira and Manizales were among the hardest-hit.
At least 73 people died after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday morning, with the majority of fatalities occurring in the states of Valle del Cauca and Risaralda. The quake's epicenter was located on the eastern tip of the Choco province on Colombia's Pacific coast. Rescue teams rushed to free trapped residents, as at least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali and other cities.
The mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, reported that several buildings had collapsed, with people still trapped inside. He requested assistance from the mayors of Bogota and Medellin. Meanwhile, officials in Valle del Cauca and Risaralda confirmed at least 27 and 40 deaths, respectively, with Pereira's mayor noting 18 fatalities in his city alone.
Manizales' mayor, Jorge Eduardo Rojas, reported two deaths in his city. Authorities reported damage at six minor airports, suspending flights for safety examinations. Colombia's newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella took charge of the government's response to the emergency. The US confirmed the quake's magnitude at 7.4 and also recorded a magnitude 5.0 aftershock shortly after.
The quake's relatively deep 107-kilometer depth caused tremors felt across western Colombia, neighboring Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.
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