At least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali, Colombia after a powerful earthquake; mayor says people are trapped under the rubble.

Colombia declares national disaster after 7.4 quake kills over 70 nationwide; President de la Espriella chairs disaster response committee. Toll includes 29 in departmental capitals.

Colombia declared a state of national disaster on Monday after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country's west earlier in the day, killing more than 70 people nationwide, including 29 in departmental capital cities, according to Asocapitales. President Abelardo de la Espriella chaired a special disaster management committee meeting and announced the decision.

Earthquake death toll in Colombia rises to 55, BluRadio reports — an increase from the previous count.

The death toll from an earthquake in Colombia has risen to 55, according to BluRadio.

6.8-magnitude earthquake jolts Colombia, GFZ reports. Tremor struck at 1234 GMT Monday with epicenter 93.7 km deep at 4.86°N, 76.19°W in western Colombia.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 jolted Colombia at 1234 GMT on Monday, the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences said. The epicenter, with a depth of 93.7 km, was initially determined to be at 4.86 degrees north latitude and 76.19 degrees west longitude.

Indonesia forest fires scorch over 107,000 hectares as government deploys 43 helicopters and 10-15 aircraft to combat El Nino-amplified blazes

Over 107,000 hectares of land and forest have been affected by fires across Indonesia as of early August, the Indonesian government said on Monday. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago said air and ground operations, including around 43 helicopters and 10 to 15 fixed-wing aircraft, have been deployed. The blazes have been exacerbated by a prolonged drought driven by a strong El Nino pattern.