A powerful earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. The 7.4 magnitude quake left over 3,000 people missing, with many trapped under debris. According to mayors and governors from the affected areas, at least 179 people have died, while the federal government reports at least 111 fatalities.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Search and rescue efforts are underway in dozens of cities and towns in western Colombia. Soldiers, rescue personnel, and families are working together to locate those trapped under the rubble. The country’s new president, Abelardo De la Espriella, has mobilized the military and police to respond to the disaster, deploying engineers, rescue workers, and search dogs to the affected areas.

The earthquake has had a devastating impact on the region, with around 1,600 buildings reported damaged or collapsed. The city of Choco, which is one of Colombia’s poorest and most neglected regions, has been particularly hard hit. The region is often beset by warring armed groups and is accessible only by boat, through the jungle, or by airplane.

Families are desperately searching for their loved ones, with many posting information about missing relatives on citizen-run websites. The earthquake has left many people unnerved, particularly in the wake of back-to-back quakes that devastated neighboring Venezuela in late June, destroying hundreds of buildings and killing over 6,300 people.

The U.S. State Department has announced that it will provide $15.5 million in emergency aid to Colombia, including shelter, food, and other essential supplies. Governments across Latin America have also pledged their support to help the country recover from the disaster.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.