Aid after the earthquake Swiss woman in Colombia: Everyone is doing what they can for her

A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday morning, triggering widespread destruction and leaving hundreds missing amid a rising death toll. The quake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, occurred at 7:34 local time near San José del Palmar, with its epicenter located approximately 103 kilometers deep beneath the surface. At least 111 people have been confirmed dead, though authorities warn this number will likely rise significantly as search efforts continue under collapsed buildings. Over 87 individuals were injured, and reports indicate more than 300 people remain unaccounted for. The Colombian president, Abelardo de la Espriella, declared a national state of emergency hours after the disaster, mobilizing all institutional resources to respond effectively to the crisis. De la Espriella, who has held office for just three days, emphasized that the government’s handling of the situation would demonstrate its operational capacity. The earthquake struck at a time when the country already faces complex challenges. Eight armed rebel groups still operate within Colombia, and some regions remain under conflict. This complicates rescue operations, as certain roads are controlled by guerrilla forces, making access difficult for relief workers. Additionally, many infrastructure systems were already strained before the quake, with transportation networks limited due to ongoing instability. Now, with numerous roads damaged or blocked, movement between regions has become even more challenging. Six regional airports have been temporarily closed for inspection, further delaying the delivery of aid and equipment to affected areas. Emergency services are working around the clock to locate survivors trapped in rubble. The first 72 hours following a major earthquake are critical for saving lives, prompting the government to request international assistance. President de la Espriella announced plans to provide financial support to those who lost their homes, acknowledging the urgent need for both immediate relief and long-term recovery measures. Despite these efforts, the lack of reliable communication networks poses a serious obstacle. Many residents in affected cities, including Cali, have reported sporadic internet and phone service, hindering coordination among families and emergency responders. Nathalie Favre, a Swiss-born resident living in Cali since 2018, described her experience during the quake. She recounted how she immediately recognized the danger upon feeling the tremors and took shelter under her kitchen table with her cat. “It felt endless,” she said, describing the chaos as neighbors screamed and ran for safety. Although her home remained intact, Favre expressed concern over the structural integrity of larger buildings in the city. She noted that many structures in Cali did not meet seismic safety standards, despite the region's frequent exposure to earthquakes along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Favre highlighted the resilience of the local population, emphasizing the solidarity displayed through blood donation drives, food collection efforts, and community-led searches for missing persons. She praised the collective response, stating that people are doing everything they can to help one another. However, she also pointed out the systemic issues that have contributed to the vulnerability of the built environment, citing widespread corruption and past governmental neglect as factors that have weakened infrastructure preparedness. As the search continues, the focus remains on locating survivors and providing essential supplies to those displaced by the disaster. With the threat of aftershocks looming and the challenge of navigating both physical and political obstacles, the road to recovery appears arduous. Relief teams are operating under immense pressure to reach those in need before conditions worsen.