US announces $15.5M in aid for quake-hit Colombia

WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday announced an emergency aid package worth $15.5 million for Colombia after a powerful earthquake in the South American country killed over 100 people.

"We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support President Abelardo de la Espriella," the US State Department posted on X, three days after the Washington-backed leader took office in Colombia.

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, damaging more than 1,500 buildings, and leaving an unknown number of people buried under rubble. 

The government declared a state of emergency to attend to the quake that shook several cities across the coffee-producing region, the Pacific coast, and neighboring Latin American countries, sending terrified residents racing into the street.