Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Tops 250, President Declares Emergency

A very big earthquake hit the country of Colombia in South America.

It was the strongest earthquake Colombia has felt in about one hundred years.

The ground shook early in the morning and made many buildings fall down.

More than 250 people died, and thousands more were hurt.

Some reports give different numbers because the counting is still going on.

Many people were missing, and their families used websites to look for them.

Rescue workers used dogs, machines, and their bare hands to search the broken buildings.

The president of Colombia made a special emergency rule so the government could quickly give money and help.

Other countries, like the United States, also sent money and rescue helpers.

Everyone is working hard to find missing people and to rebuild houses, schools, and hospitals.