Over 100 killed, hundreds wounded in powerful earthquake in Colombia — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): More than 100 people have been killed and hundreds of others injured after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, Reuters reported. The earthquake struck on Monday, causing buildings to collapse, damaging hospitals and other infrastructure, and trapping people under the rubble, according to the report. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured the earthquake at 7.4 magnitude and said it occurred at a depth of 107 kilometres. Colombia’s geological survey described the earthquake as the strongest recorded in the country in the 21st century. The Colombian president declared a national state of emergency, saying the government’s priority was to rescue people trapped under the rubble. Reuters reported that at least 35 people had been killed and around 700 others injured in Valle del Cauca province. Search and rescue operations are continuing in the affected areas. Colombia’s geological survey said 21 aftershocks had been recorded and warned that further tremors were possible.