Devastation in the Coffee Region: A Deadly Earthquake Rocks Colombia's Vulnerable Heartland A 7. 4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 20 people dead and many more injured.
The quake hit the coffee region, which is home to some of Colombia's most vulnerable communities.
The epicenter was in San José del Palmar, a small town with a population of just 4,800 people, where local officials reported widespread damage and chaos. "It was like the earth opened up," said one eyewitness.