A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday, registering a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake left more than 180 people dead, over 190 missing, and nearly 2,600 injured, with authorities in some regions reporting higher tolls. Among the survivors was a 32-year-old woman named Daniela Largo, who was rescued alive after spending 36 hours trapped beneath the rubble of a hotel in Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities. Her rescue came late Tuesday night following seven hours of intensive search operations involving two separate excavations, oxygen delivery via mask, and the removal of four layers of concrete. Largo’s mother told AFP that a local resident had heard her daughter calling for help from under the debris. The rescuers located her using a small camera placed in the rubble. The emotional moment was captured on video, showing Largo being pulled free by teams working tirelessly through the night. Her son, aged 12, awaits her return home. The incident has become a symbol of hope amid the ongoing disaster, with President Abelardo de la Espriella expressing optimism on social media, stating that there is still hope for those still missing. The Colombian government reports that more than 40 people remain unaccounted for in Pereira alone. Rescue efforts continue around the clock, with helicopters and ground crews combing through collapsed buildings and open spaces. Despite the progress made with Largo’s rescue, the situation remains dire, with many families still waiting for news of their loved ones. The number of casualties continues to rise, with officials warning that the final death toll could be significantly higher. Meanwhile, a separate but equally severe earthquake hit eastern Indonesia on Monday, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale. This quake occurred at a shallow depth near the island of Flores, approximately 68 kilometers from the city of Ende in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. Initial reports indicated that the tremor triggered a tsunami alert, which was later lifted. However, authorities have urged residents along the coasts of Flores and surrounding islands to evacuate immediately, citing the risk of further seismic activity and potential tsunamis. In the wake of the quake, multiple structures were damaged, including six government offices, five medical facilities, and one school. Over 54 homes were severely affected, with additional damage reported to nine other residences. Residents described the experience as terrifying, with some recalling feeling as though they were on a trampoline during the shaking. One survivor, Yulian Juita Ekalia, recounted how household items fell from shelves and furniture toppled as she fled her home. Multiple aftershocks followed, including one of magnitude 6.1, adding to the uncertainty and danger faced by locals. Authorities have advised people living in coastal areas to move inland or climb to higher ground, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Officials from the Indonesian National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) have issued repeated warnings, urging communities to take the threat seriously. While no deaths have been officially confirmed yet, the presence of minor tsunami waves, ranging from 19 to 30 centimeters, has heightened concerns among residents and emergency responders alike. As both nations grapple with the aftermath of these disasters, international aid organizations and neighboring countries are mobilizing resources to support relief efforts. Search-and-rescue teams continue to work under difficult conditions, while hospitals and shelters prepare for an influx of displaced individuals. The human toll of these earthquakes underscores the urgent need for continued assistance and long-term recovery planning.
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