At least 132 dead after strongest earthquake to hit Colombia this century

At least 132 people have been killed after the strongest earthquake to hit Colombia this century caused buildings to collapse across the region. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue throughout the region.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Monday morning with its epicenter between the departments of Choco and Valle del Cauca, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It occurred at a depth of 110 kilometers (68 miles).

Deaths and widespread damage have been reported in the departments of Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, Choco, Quindio, Caldas and Antioquia, including in the cities of Cali and Pereira. Buildings were also damaged in the major cities of Bogota and Medellin.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency as rescuers search collapsed buildings for survivors.

Footage from several cities showed buildings collapsing as people ran for safety. One video captured part of a building falling onto four people as they evacuated.

The earthquake caused strong shaking across western Colombia, with an estimated 1.5 million people experiencing intensity 7 shaking, according to the USGS.

Shaking was also felt in Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela. Minor damage was reported in parts of Panama.

The USGS said intermediate-depth earthquakes are generally less dangerous than shallow earthquakes of the same magnitude because the fault rupture occurs farther below the surface. However, they can release energy at frequencies particularly damaging to buildings.

Such earthquakes typically produce fewer aftershocks, but the agency warned that strong aftershocks remain possible and could pose a continuing danger during rescue and recovery operations.

The post At least 132 dead after strongest earthquake to hit Colombia this century appeared first on BNO News.

Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief

Ella Greene

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