Rescuers in Colombia scrambled to locate survivors after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the western part of the country, killing at least 240 people and injuring more than 600. The quake, which occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, sent panicked residents fleeing into the streets, shaking cities across the coffee-growing region. Initial reports indicated that the death toll stood at 169, with the number rising to at least 250 as rescue efforts continued into the second day. Over 2,700 people were reported missing, prompting widespread concern and urgent calls for aid. The earthquake, which originated near San José del Palmar in Chocó, was felt across much of Colombia, including the capital, Bogotá, where crowds rushed outdoors in their pajamas. The quake, occurring at a depth of 110 kilometers, was also registered in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. Experts at the U.S. Geological Survey attributed the seismic activity to movement along a deep fault within the Nazca tectonic plate. The tremor caused extensive damage, particularly in cities such as Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo, where buildings collapsed, hospitals were damaged, and infrastructure was severely disrupted. In Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia, volunteers used their bare hands and basic tools to clear rubble in search of survivors. At least 85 people were confirmed dead in the city, with dozens of buildings either partially or entirely destroyed. Hospitals faced dire conditions, with some upper floors collapsing and trapping patients. In Pereira, the capital of the hard-hit Risaralda department, authorities reported 66 fatalities. Entire residential blocks were reduced to piles of concrete and twisted metal, with video footage showing the city’s airport swaying dangerously during the quake, its ceilings collapsing as people sought shelter. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just three days prior, declared a state of emergency and pledged a coordinated rescue operation. He announced the deployment of 1,000 security force members to Cali following reports of looting. A nighttime curfew was imposed in Cali and Pereira, and local airports temporarily suspended operations. De la Espriella emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “Here, there are no distinctions or ideological divisions when it comes to defending our people or showing solidarity.” His administration also mobilized the military and police to assist in rescue efforts, with engineers, search dogs, and specialized equipment deployed to affected areas. In the impoverished Choco region, where the earthquake’s epicenter lay, the situation was particularly dire. Local authorities reported that 80% of El Cairo, a town of approximately 7,000 residents, was damaged. Many homes, built with traditional materials such as sticks and mud, were vulnerable to collapse. Families like that of Dana Carolina Zamora, who feared for her missing uncle, expressed anxiety over the lack of communication and the potential loss of loved ones. The region, already plagued by conflict and neglect, now faces a daunting challenge in recovery. As rescue efforts progressed, the focus began to shift toward debris removal and stabilizing the affected areas. Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali noted that only nine active search-and-rescue operations remained, urging residents to remain silent in certain zones to facilitate listening for signs of life. Meanwhile, organizations such as the International Rescue Committee reported that some remote communities received minimal support, with locals forced to dig through rubble with their bare hands. In Buenaventura, armed groups reportedly intercepted food donations, complicating relief efforts. The earthquake has raised concerns about the long-term impact on Colombia, especially given the recent devastation in neighboring Venezuela, where a similar quake killed over 6,300 people. As the government estimates that more than 12,500 homes were destroyed, the challenge of providing immediate aid and planning for reconstruction looms large. President de la Espriella has promised to establish an economic emergency and a reconstruction fund to channel both domestic and international resources toward rebuilding critical infrastructure. The disaster marks a pivotal moment for the new administration, testing its ability to manage a national crisis while balancing fiscal austerity with humanitarian needs.
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