A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck western Colombia on Monday evening, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming more than 69 lives. Hundreds of people were injured, and authorities fear the death toll could rise further as many remain trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter was located near the town of San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers. The tremor caused severe damage in cities including Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales. In Pereira alone, at least 18 people were killed, Mayor Mauricio Salazar confirmed. In Manizales, one of the towers of the historic neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed.The impact was also felt
