A mother from Bergenfield died in the Colombia earthquake while trying to save her daughter, Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio said. The mom and daughter were visiting Colombia when the home they were staying in, according to the mayor, collapsed during Monday’s quake. “The mother, Magnoli a, tragically lost her life after reportedly re-entering the home in an effort to save her daughter,” Amatorio said in a statement. “Her daughter, a recent Bergenfield High School graduate, survived the collapse and is currently hospitalized with an arm injury. The father, who did not travel with them, is en route to Colombia, and the Borough is working to reach him and provide support.” According to the mayor, the father of the daughter was not traveling with them but is on his way to Colombia. “Our hearts are with Magnolia’s family and loved ones. The entire Bergenfield community mourns with them and is praying for the recovery of her daughter and strength for the family during this unimaginable tragedy. We also keep all families affected by this tragedy in our thoughts,” Amatorio said. The 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit western Colombia on Monday, has left widespread destruction, hundreds dead and thousands more still missing under the rubble. Around 1,600 buildings across the region have been reported damaged or collapsed. Soldiers, rescue personnel and families picked through the rubble, passing large pieces of concrete by hand along lines of volunteers. The devastating disaster happened less than 72 hours after the country swore in Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia’s new conservative president and former criminal defense lawyer with no previous political experience. Colombia’s response has not been without controversy. De la Espriella’s rejection of rescue teams from around the world has raised questions about his handling of foreign aid, with China’s ambassador complaining on social media that he did not even know which Colombian official was responsible for coordinating international assistance. Rugged terrain, poor infrastructure and communication disruptions have slowed casualty reports from the hardest-hit areas. The government’s national toll of at least 265 dead and 500 missing lags far behind counts from local authorities, while an independent database lists over 4,100 as unaccounted for. ...read more read less