US Woman Dies Trying to Save Daughter in Colombia Earthquake

Magnolia García Lugo, a 57-year-old resident of New Jersey, died in Roldanillo, Colombia, after bravely re-entering a collapsing building to rescue her daughter during a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake.

García Lugo had initially escaped the building unharmed following the earthquake on Monday. However, upon realizing her daughter, Natalia, was still inside, she made the tragic decision to go back in. The structure then collapsed completely, trapping her.

Natalia, who had managed to exit the building before the final collapse, survived the incident but sustained an arm injury. She is currently hospitalized. The mayor of Bergenfield, Arvin Amatorio, confirmed García Lugo's death, noting that the family was visiting Colombia when the earthquake struck.

The earthquake's epicenter was in San José del Palmar, Chocó, in western Colombia. The disaster has resulted in a devastating toll, with at least 281 confirmed deaths, approximately 4,000 injuries, and over 370 people reported missing. Several cities, including Cali, Pereira, and Manizales, suffered significant damage. International specialized teams from Colombia, the United States, Israel, El Salvador, and Ecuador are assisting in the search for survivors.