111 dead, hundreds hurt as powerful earthquake strikes Columbia

WORLD: At least 111 people were killed and hundreds more injured following a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the western part of Colombia Monday night (IST). The quake resulted in the collapse of numerous buildings across various cities with many residents beleived to be trapped under debris and requiring assistance. 

The tremor prompted mass evacuations affecting residents as far away as the capital Bogotá and in several other cities throughout the region. 

According to reports from the US Geological Survey and Colombia's geological entities, the epicenter of the earthquake was located in San Jose Del Palmar, a small community of approximately 4,800 inhabitants situated in the Chocó department, about 250 miles west of Bogotá. 

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 66 miles. Its effects were felt in neighboring Ecuador as well.

Image: Courtesy SM