A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck central Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The tremors were felt across multiple regions, with Pereira, the capital of Risaralda department, emerging as one of the hardest-hit areas. At least 181 people have been confirmed dead, according to official reports, with over 1,300 injured and thousands still missing as rescue teams work tirelessly through the night. The disaster has prompted the Colombian government to declare a national emergency, allowing for rapid deployment of resources to the most affected zones. The quake, which occurred during the morning hours, was centered near San José del Palmar in Chocó department, though its effects were felt far beyond this region. Cities such as Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales, key cities in the so-called Coffee Belt, reported extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Communication systems throughout these areas were severely disrupted, complicating efforts to assess the full extent of the crisis. In Pereira, images captured the collapse of a three-story building, with witnesses describing scenes of chaos as people fled the area in panic. Smoke filled the air as dust from the rubble settled around the site. Local authorities in Pereira initially reported at least 18 deaths, including three fatalities at the international Matecaña Airport. Later updates raised the death toll to 22, with additional casualties reported in nearby towns such as Manizales and Buenaventura. The city’s mayor, Mauricio Salazar Peláez, described the situation as “critical,” noting that dozens of people remained trapped under debris. He emphasized the breakdown in communication and the overwhelming nature of the response effort. Rescue workers, working in difficult conditions, have been attempting to locate survivors amid the wreckage. The airport itself suffered significant damage, with parts of its roof collapsing and forcing the suspension of flights. The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority announced that operations at several major airports, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, were temporarily halted due to structural concerns. These measures underscore the wide-ranging impact of the disaster, affecting both urban centers and regional transportation networks. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office just days before the quake, has pledged to personally visit Pereira to support the victims and oversee the government’s response. His administration has requested detailed reports from the National Risk Management Unit (Ungrd), emphasizing the need for immediate action. Despite the devastation, officials have ruled out the possibility of a tsunami along Colombia’s Pacific coast, offering some reassurance to coastal communities. In Cali, another heavily impacted city, the death toll reached 85, with at least 885 injured. Emergency services implemented curfews and extended hours of operation to manage the influx of victims. Rescue teams have used chains of volunteers to extract bodies and supplies from collapsed structures, often using basic tools and shouting commands to detect signs of life. One emotional moment came when a baby and an adult were successfully rescued alive from the ruins, their survival captured on video and shared widely. Medical facilities in Cali, including the University of Valle Hospital, faced severe damage, particularly in critical care units. The World Health Organization noted that several hospitals had to evacuate patients, with some receiving treatment on sidewalks due to lack of space. The scale of the disaster has brought back painful memories of the 1999 earthquake, which claimed nearly 1,200 lives in the same region. As the search continues for more survivors, the focus remains on stabilizing the situation and providing essential aid. With hundreds of people still missing and numerous buildings reduced to rubble, the road to recovery will be long and challenging. The government and local organizations continue to coordinate relief efforts, ensuring that those in need receive food, shelter, and medical attention. The coming days will likely see further updates on the number of casualties and the progress of rescue operations.
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