Colombia Hit by 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake, 20 Killed as Situation Turns Critical

At least 20 people were killed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, Reuters reported.

The quake caused multiple buildings to collapse, trapping people beneath the rubble and leaving several others injured. The strong tremors forced residents to evacuate their homes as emergency crews rushed to affected areas to search for survivors and assess the damage.

The epicentre was near San Jose del Palmar, a community of around 4,800 people located approximately 400 kilometres west of Bogota. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred at a depth of about 107 kilometres.

The tremors were also felt across the border in neighbouring Ecuador, where authorities remained on alert following the powerful earthquake.