At least 111 people were killed and widespread damage has been reported in areas struck by a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake Monday in Colombia.
At least 87 people were injured due to the strong tremors, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said. There are reports that at least 61 buildings fell in completely, while around 1,600 buildings were reportedly damaged.
Search and rescue are ongoing in damaged buildings for any individuals that may have been trapped under the debris. The magnitude of the destruction has prompted the authorities to have to scale up their emergency response and relief operations in the affected areas.
Following the tremor, following tremors were higher concern for further structural damage and made rescue efforts more difficult, Colombia’s Geological Service said.
Strongest Earthquake of the Century
The earthquake was called the most powerful that Colombia has ever experienced in the “21st century,” Monday authorities said. The shaking caused a lot of damage to buildings and infrastructure and emergency services are putting efforts into determining the extent of the disaster.
The tremor came only weeks after two strong tremors in neighbouring Venezuela ravaged the area while rescue and recovery efforts continue.
With the latest disaster came a new flashback on how prepared they were for an earthquake and how weak these buildings were.
Search and rescue and relief efforts continue as officials work to evaluate the extent of the damage and the number of survivors. Emergency workers’ access to regions heavily damaged by the earthquake may push the death rolls higher.
Local authorities have advised people to stay alert of possible aftershocks and warn of the danger of more building collapses as they stay away from damaged buildings.