Powerful earthquake in Colombia kills more than 20 people

A powerful earthquake has struck Colombia, killing at least 22 people. Dozens of buildings have collapsed in the city of Cali, and local authorities say people may still be trapped under the rubble, Euronews reports.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the earthquake at magnitude 7.4, despite the fact that it occurred at a considerable depth. The epicentre was located near San José del Palmar, approximately 400 kilometres west of Bogotá.

The earthquake was preceded by two successive tremors of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 recorded in Venezuela in late June. At the time, the tremors destroyed hundreds of buildings and claimed the lives of more than 5,000 people.