Earthquake in Colombia leaves at least 132 dead, hospitals overwhelmed and curfews in place

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck central and western parts of Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 132 people dead and over 570 injured. The disaster caused widespread destruction, with dozens of buildings collapsing, hospitals overflowing with patients, and several airports suspending operations. Rescue efforts continue as authorities work to locate survivors trapped under rubble. The quake was felt across major cities including Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, and even in neighboring countries such as Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. The earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time (12:34 p.m. GMT) with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, located approximately 103 kilometers beneath the surface. The tremor was particularly severe in Pereira, the capital of Risaralda, which is one of the closest major cities to the epicenter. According to preliminary reports from the Colombian Association of City Capitals (Asocapitales), Pereira recorded the highest number of fatalities, with at least 60 deaths. However, these figures represent only the casualties among city capitals, excluding those from surrounding municipalities, where additional damage has been reported. In response to the crisis, President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster status just three days after taking office. He established a unified command center to coordinate emergency efforts and visited affected regions, starting with Quibdó, the capital of Chocó. During his visit, he stated that the Chocó region holds a special place in his heart due to its historical neglect. He pledged to convene a regional meeting with all government officials to assess the needs of impacted municipalities. According to his latest update, Chocó had confirmed 13 deaths, 119 injuries, and five missing persons. Emergency services have been working tirelessly in multiple locations, especially in Pereira, where search teams are focusing on areas with collapsed structures. The city’s mayor, Mauricio Salazar, imposed a curfew from 6:00 p.m. local time (11:00 p.m. GMT) until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday (10:00 a.m. GMT) to protect commercial areas from potential looting. The international airport in Pereira, Matecaña, remains closed due to structural damage, while rescue teams are also assisting individuals trapped in the city's public cable car system, known as the Megacable. In Cali, the capital of the Valle del Cauca department, authorities have implemented a similar curfew, running from 8:00 p.m. (1:00 a.m. GMT) to 6:00 a.m. Tuesday (11:00 a.m. GMT). The city has also been placed under military control to prevent looting and facilitate rescue operations. Mayor Alejandro Eder emphasized that the initial 48 hours are critical for saving lives, as many people remain trapped in collapsed buildings. Additional support includes 60 rescuers sent from Bogotá and 32 members of the armed forces joining the effort. Meanwhile, the European Union has activated its satellite-based Copernicus system and consular assistance mechanisms to aid Colombia in its recovery. The EU has allocated funding through the Red Cross and is providing logistical support to enhance rescue operations. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with the Colombian people, stating that the heart of Europe is with them during this difficult time. International organizations, including the United States, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank, have also announced financial contributions to assist with emergency shelter, food supplies, and damage assessments. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents, stabilizing infrastructure, and supporting the long-term recovery of communities affected by the earthquake. Authorities are urging patience and cooperation as they navigate the complex challenges posed by the disaster.