Colombia's strongest earthquake this century: magnitude 7.4 strikes the west, hundreds dead

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, about 400 kilometres west of Bogotá. The Colombian Geological Service said it was the strongest quake recorded in the country this century. The epicentre was near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó.

According to AP's first tally, at least 111 people were killed, some 1,600 buildings were damaged and at least 61 collapsed completely. In Cali alone 380 buildings were damaged. Six airports suspended flights.

The toll keeps rising

By September 3 the national disaster risk agency (UNGRD) had reported 331 dead and 4,519 injured, according to a Pan American Health Organization summary. Some 466,606 people were affected in about 498 municipalities across 16 departments. PAHO labels its summary unofficial.

"We aren't going to leave people alone," President Abelardo de la Espriella said. The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency aid.