A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck western Colombia early on August 10, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least 224 people dead and hundreds more injured. The quake, which had its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, approximately 400 kilometers west of Bogotá, was felt across much of the country, including cities such as Cali, Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales. The disaster has left hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients, with seven major hospitals in Cali severely damaged and unable to accommodate new arrivals. Among these, the University Hospital of Cali suffered partial collapse, trapping several individuals inside, including patients and children. Rescue teams managed to extract seven people alive from the hospital, working carefully to avoid further structural damage while searching the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the building and a reinforced room on the fifth floor. The earthquake occurred at 7:34 local time, with a depth of 96 kilometers, and lasted around four minutes. It triggered panic among residents who rushed to evacuate their homes and buildings. According to officials, at least 20 buildings have collapsed in Cali alone, with reports of people trapped under rubble. The situation worsened as communication lines were cut in some of the hardest-hit areas, making it difficult for authorities to assess the full extent of the damage and the number of casualties. The government declared a state of emergency, suspending flights at six airports, including Pereira and Manizales, where the cathedral tower collapsed. The maritime authority ruled out any threat of tsunamis along the Pacific coast. In the aftermath, rescue efforts continued relentlessly, with medical staff and volunteers working tirelessly to locate survivors. One notable case was that of Daniela Largo, a 32-year-old woman rescued after being trapped under the debris of a hotel in Pereira for 36 hours. Her rescue required extensive digging, oxygen supply through a mask, and breaking through four layers of concrete. She was found thanks to a small camera used by rescuers following a plea for help heard by a neighbor. Despite the grim toll, there were moments of hope and solidarity, with communities coming together to aid one another amid the chaos. However, concerns over potential looting led to the imposition of night-time curfews in affected areas. The impact of the earthquake extended beyond immediate physical damage, revealing deep-seated inequalities within the country. Cities like Quibdó, located in the historically impoverished Chocó region, faced severe challenges exacerbated by existing socio-economic disparities. The region, known for its biodiversity and rich natural resources, suffers from high poverty rates, making recovery even more daunting. Meanwhile, Cali, a city with a large Afro-Colombian population, bore the brunt of the disaster, highlighting the interconnectedness of migration patterns and vulnerability to natural disasters. The healthcare system was particularly strained, with the University Hospital of Cali forced to evacuate over 600 patients due to the collapse of its pediatric and neonatal wards. International support began to flow into the affected regions, with organizations such as the European Union, World Bank, and UNICEF offering assistance totaling over $1.3 billion. This aid aimed to address both the immediate needs of the victims and the long-term reconstruction of the damaged areas. Domestic efforts also intensified, with the government coordinating relief operations and declaring a national state of disaster. As the search for missing persons continued, the focus shifted toward stabilizing the affected communities and ensuring the availability of essential services. With the reopening of several airports and the gradual restoration of normalcy, the path forward remained uncertain, but the resilience of the Colombian people shone through amidst the devastation.
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