Rescuers race for survivors after Colombia quake kills 111
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, resulting in at least 111 deaths and widespread infrastructure damage. Rescue efforts are currently underway as the government declares a national emergency to assist affected regions.
Why it matters
This is the deadliest earthquake in Colombia this century, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to seismic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Hear this story Rescue workers continued to dig through the wreckage in a frantic search for survivors following a catastrophic earthquake on Aug. 10 in western Colombia , the South American nation's worst this century.
The 7.4 magnitude temblor killed at least 111 people just days after the country's new president was sworn in and came nearly seven weeks after twin quakes devastated neighboring Venezuela, killing more than 6,000.
President Abelardo De La Espriella , who officially took office Aug. 7, said the immediate priority remains freeing those trapped beneath the rubble.
“The national government has all of its capabilities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid wherever it is needed,” he said in a national address declaring a national emergency.
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