47 killed in Colombia earthquake:7.4-magnitude quake brings down buildings, homes evacuated; hundreds reportedly injured

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the South American country of Colombia, killing 47 people so far. The earthquake struck at around 7 am local time on Monday. People panicked and rushed out of their homes. Several buildings have been evacuated, and hundreds of people are reportedly injured. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre was in the Palmar area, around 400 km west of the capital, Bogotá. Tremors from the earthquake were also felt in neighbouring Ecuador and Venezuela. Photos of the earthquake Colombia is prone to earthquakes Colombia is one of the most seismically active countries in South America. Its location near several tectonic plate boundaries and major fault systems means earthquakes can occur in different parts of the country. According to the Colombian Geological Service, the country has recorded more than 100 destructive earthquakes, particularly in the Andean region, the eastern foothills of the Eastern Cordillera and the Pacific region. Colombia has experienced several powerful earthquakes in the past. One of the most destructive was the magnitude 8 earthquake that struck near Tumaco in southwestern Colombia in 1979. ​