At least 100 people confirmed dead in one of Colombia’s strongest quakes this century

A search is under way in Colombia for survivors of a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the western part of the country on Monday. So far, more than 100 people have been reported dead and scores injured during the quake that damaged 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 the capital Bogota. Heavy damage was also reported in other cities, including Pereira, Quibdo, Cali and Manizales.