Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia, Killing 69

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread building collapses and leaving at least 69 people dead across the region.

The epicentre was located near San Jose del Palmar, a community of 4,800 people in the Choco region, at a depth of 66 miles (107km) according to the USGS.

President Abelardo de la Espriella has taken personal charge of the emergency response as officials warn of potential aftershocks following two tremors measuring 2.8 and 4.8 magnitude.