DEATH TOLL IN THE EARTHQUAKE IN COLOMBIA RISES TO 169

BOGOTA, AUGUST 11 /SRNA/ - At least 169 people died in a strong earthquake that struck western Colombia yesterday, "Blu radio" reported.

The highest number of victims was recorded in the cities of Cali and Pereira, the report states.

Search and rescue operations are underway.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale struck Colombia yesterday morning.

The epicenter was located near the municipality of San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, and tremors were felt across a large part of Colombia, as well as in neighboring countries.