Magnitude 7.4 quake rocks western Colombia, killing at least 111 people
Summary
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has killed at least 111 people in western Colombia, collapsing buildings in Cali, Pereira and other cities and leaving many trapped under rubble. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency as the U.S. and Latin American governments pledged aid.
Key Points
- At least 111 people were killed and around 1,600 buildings were damaged in the 7.4 magnitude quake, according to Colombian authorities.
- The hardest-hit areas included Cali, Pereira, Quibdo, Manizales and the remote Choco region, where rescue and communication efforts were hampered.
- President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency and said he was personally overseeing the government response.
- The United States and several Latin American countries, including El Salvador, Mexico and Chile, offered emergency assistance.
