The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday has risen to 132, with more than 570 others injured. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck on Monday, with its epicentre near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, about 400 kilometres west of the capital, Bogota. The quake damaged hundreds of buildings and trapped several people under debris. Rescue teams and local residents searched through the rubble for survivors.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency to speed up funding for relief and recovery operations. He said the government would provide all possible assistance to those affected. More than 20 municipalities across the country have reportedly been affected. The earthquake caused damage in cities including Pereira, Quibdo, Cali and Manizales.
The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama, though no major damage was reported there. Authorities have warned of possible aftershocks and are continuing rescue and relief operations. Officials described it as the most powerful earthquake to hit Colombia in the last decade.
