Colombian President announces more than 100 killed in earthquake that struck the country

Washington, Aug 10 (KUNA) – Colombia’s new president, Abilio de la Espriella, announced that the death toll from the earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday has reached 111, with the figure expected to rise as relief operations continue. In a televised address on national Colombian television, Espriella said that “many children” were among the dead, and noted that the number of injured had reached 87, with dozens of buildings collapsed.

In a related development, the United States Geological Survey reported that a 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia on Monday, prompting residents to evacuate homes and buildings. The agency, which monitors tectonic activity, stated that the epicenter was located in the San José del Palmar area, approximately 250 miles (about 403 kilometers) west of the Colombian capital, Bogotá.

Residents evacuated their homes and buildings when the earthquake struck, but the Colombian Navy confirmed that there was no risk of a tsunami. (End) R.S.R./S.A.M.