132 killed as 7.4-magnitude earthquake hits Colombia

At least 132 persons were killed after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, stated the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, a non-profit organisation. Additionally, 483 persons were injured.

The toll is likely to rise as several persons are feared trapped under collapsed buildings, reported the BBC.

The earthquake struck at 7.34 am local time and damaged at least 1,500 buildings, reported AFP. The epicentre was near the village of San José del Palmar, in Chocó province.

The cities of Cali, Pereira, Quibdo and Manizales were most affected by the quake. It was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.

This was the strongest earthquake recorded in Colombia in the 21st century and it was followed by several aftershocks, AP quoted the country’s Geological Service as saying.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was sworn in only three days ago, has declared a state of emergency.

“We aren’t going to leave people alone,” he was quoted as saying by the AP. “They are in our hearts and we are going to tend to people with our full determination.”

Hospitals in five Colombian cities were put on red alert Monday. A nighttime curfew has been declared in Cali.

Six airports have suspended operations, according to AFP.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington was “closely monitoring” the earthquake and stood “ready...

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