Magnitude 7.4 quake rocks western Colombia, killing at least 111 people
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, resulting in at least 111 deaths and widespread structural damage. Rescue operations are underway in the Choco region, which is difficult to access due to its remote jungle location.
Why it matters
This is a major humanitarian disaster in a vulnerable region, highlighting the ongoing seismic risks along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
CALI, Colombia — A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, damaging hundreds of buildings and leaving many trapped under debris while their loved ones and rescue workers searched through rubble.
Search teams and civilians picked through the remains of destroyed buildings in the country's third-largest city, Cali, passing large pieces of concrete and other rubble down a long line of volunteers.
"Our building has basically been left in ruins, and the building next to ours? Completely collapsed," said Álvaro López, who cradled his dog as he watched the search. The desperate scene recalled the searches still ongoing in neighboring Venezuela weeks after that country was devastated by two powerful earthquakes.
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