Colombia: Hundreds of people missing from the rubble

A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, killing at least 111 people and leaving hundreds missing under rubble. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency, calling for the full mobilization of institutional capacities to respond effectively to the disaster. The president, who has been in office for just three days, emphasized that how his government handles this crisis will reveal its ability to act decisively. Correspondent Teresa Delgado of SRF noted that the response to the quake will serve as a test of the new administration’s capabilities. The earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, occurred at approximately 7:34 local time near San José del Palmar, about 103 kilometers deep. The Colombian Geological Service confirmed the epicenter, though it ruled out a direct connection with the recent earthquake in Venezuela. While both quakes were triggered by tectonic plate movements, Venezuela's involving the Caribbean Plate and Colombia's linked to the Nazca Plate, the two events are considered separate occurrences. Initial reports indicate that the death toll has risen to 111, with at least 87 injured. The number of people still trapped beneath collapsed structures remains unknown, though media outlets have reported that scores remain unaccounted for. As a result, officials warn that the final casualty count could rise significantly. Delgado described the damage as extensive, noting that some churches, universities, and hospitals were damaged, while warnings of aftershocks have been issued. In an effort to prevent looting and ensure safe passage for rescue teams, authorities imposed curfews in several cities during the night. These measures were taken to keep roads clear for emergency responders. However, the condition of infrastructure has posed major challenges. Six regional airports were temporarily closed for inspection by engineers, complicating the transport of rescue teams and equipment into affected areas. Delgado highlighted the difficulty of moving resources through these regions, especially given the already fragile state of transportation networks. Colombia continues to face complex security conditions, with eight armed rebel groups still active in parts of the country. Some roads remain under the control of guerrilla forces, making access difficult for relief workers. Delgado explained that movement within the country had always been challenging, but the earthquake has worsened the situation by damaging many roads. This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing recovery efforts. Despite these obstacles, Colombia possesses a national early warning system, a functioning disaster preparedness framework, and specialized rescue teams. Delgado acknowledged that the challenge lies in coordinating these resources across multiple affected regions simultaneously. The government has therefore requested international assistance, as the first 72 hours following an earthquake are critical for saving lives. Additionally, President de la Espriella has announced financial support for families displaced by the disaster, ensuring they can rebuild their homes.