More than 100 people dead in Colombia after magnitude 7.4 earthquake

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing more than 100 people, injuring scores more and damaging hundreds of buildings. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency, which will expedite funding for earthquake recovery. The newly elected leader said he would visit the disaster zone, centred around the rural region of Choco. The US Geological Survey (USGS) and Colombia’s counterpart said the epicentre of the quake was in San Jose Del Palmar, a community of about 4,800 people about 400km (250 miles) west of Bogota. The USGS said it struck at a depth of 107km (66 miles). Heavy damage was also reported in cities across the west of the country, including Pereira, Quibdo, Cali and Manizales.