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Digital Desk, Delhi. A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the South American country of Colombia on Monday. This powerful quake created widespread panic. The earthquake shook Colombia’s ground so much that large buildings in several cities collapsed, and many people are feared trapped under the debris.

80 people have died so far

So far, 80 people have died in this natural disaster, prompting the Colombian government to declare a national emergency. According to media reports, the earthquake struck around 7 a.m. local time on Monday. The epicenter is reported to be in Palmar, about 400 kilometers west of the capital, Bogota.

America assured all possible help

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on social media, ‘The administration led by President Donald Trump is closely monitoring the powerful earthquake in Colombia and stands ready to provide all possible assistance to the people of Colombia and the administration of President Abelardo de la Espriella.’

He further wrote in his post, ‘American citizens in Colombia are advised to enroll themselves on STEP.State.gov and follow the social media accounts of the US Embassy in the capital Bogota for the latest information.’

Watch videos to the earthquake

Videos of the Colombian earthquake are rapidly going viral on social media. These videos show the extensive damage to ancient and residential buildings. People have rushed out of their homes after the tremors. There is widespread screaming and crying.

Colombia lies within the “Ring of Fire,” a region notorious for earthquakes. This is a horseshoe-shaped region stretching approximately 40,000 kilometers around the Pacific Ocean, home to approximately 75 percent of the world’s active volcanoes and 90 percent of its earthquakes. It is a major center of collision between Earth’s tectonic plates.