Colombia survivors reflect on quake terror as rescuers search rubble

Survivors in western Colombia are grappling with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck the region late on Monday, leaving hundreds dead and thousands more missing. Rescue teams entered their third day of searching through rubble for survivors, with officials warning that the coming hours remain crucial in determining whether more lives can be saved. The 7.4-magnitude quake, centered in the coastal Choco region at a depth of 100 kilometers, caused widespread devastation across multiple cities, including Pereira, Cali, Quibdo, and Manizales. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office just days prior to the disaster, faces mounting pressure as the nation’s new leadership confronts its first major crisis. The Colombian government has declared three days of mourning for the over 250 people confirmed dead, though discrepancies exist between official figures and independent reports. A civilian-run database claims more than 4,000 individuals remain missing, while the Colombian Association of Capital Cities reported at least 132 fatalities. Local authorities in Pereira announced 66 deaths in that city alone, with videos showing entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The quake’s impact was particularly severe in Pereira, located in the foothills of the Andes. Juliana Maya, whose bakery and family home collapsed during the disaster, described the chaos as she and her colleagues fled the collapsing structure. “Everything around the bakery started to fall,” she recounted. Her in-laws, both elderly, now face uncertain futures without shelter or resources. In Cali, another heavily affected city, residents formed human chains to move debris from collapsed buildings, while fire department officials emphasized that rescue efforts would continue for at least four days. Walter Arroyave, a resident of Pereira, shared his harrowing experience of being alone during the quake when his wife and daughter were away. He described the initial moments of confusion and fear, followed by the agonizing wait to confirm their safety. Roads became impassable due to congestion and power failures, delaying communication and complicating rescue operations. His ordeal reflects the broader struggle faced by many as they attempt to process the scale of the tragedy and navigate the uncertainty of what comes next. Across the region, the quake triggered evacuations and disruptions. Six small airports in western Colombia suspended operations, and the soccer governing body postponed matches. In Bogota, minimal damage was reported, but residents still felt the tremors, prompting some to flee into the streets wearing only their pajamas. International responses included statements from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expressed readiness to support Colombia, and European Union President Ursula von der Leyen, who mentioned the activation of Copernicus satellite services to aid rescue efforts. Mexico, Ecuador, and France also pledged assistance. The disaster adds to the ongoing challenges facing Latin America, which has recently endured two catastrophic earthquakes in neighboring Venezuela in June, resulting in over 6,000 deaths and extensive damage. As the search for survivors continues, the focus shifts toward addressing the immediate needs of the displaced population. Temporary shelters have been established in schools and sports arenas, but concerns persist regarding long-term solutions for housing and medical care. For many, the road ahead remains unclear, marked by loss, resilience, and the urgent need for support.