Rescue efforts began early Tuesday across western Colombia following a destructive earthquake. The quake, which struck with a magnitude of 7.4 on Monday, resulted in at least 111 deaths and left many trapped in debris. Cities including Cali, Quibdo, and Pereira experienced significant damage, with approximately 1,600 buildings either damaged or collapsed.
Efforts to clear rubble involved soldiers, rescue workers, and families working together by hand. President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed the number of casualties and highlighted the significant damage across the region.
Families of the missing turned to citizen-run websites to share information about lost loved ones. By Monday night, over 2,700 people were reported missing. Among them, Dana Carolina Zamora shared an image of her missing uncle, Miguel Ángel Zamora, who lived near the quake’s epicenter in San Jose Del Palmar. El Cairo, where he resided, saw 80% of its structures damaged.
“We are afraid. We hope that is not the case, that he is all right and that it is only a communication failure. But we haven’t heard anything from him,” said Zamora.
The epicenter was in Choco, one of Colombia’s poorest regions, often isolated and difficult to access. President de la Espriella visited Choco’s capital, Quibdo, to evaluate the situation. He mobilized military and police resources, sending engineers and rescue personnel.
Additional support included rental subsidies for those needing home repairs. De la Espriella emphasized the commitment to aid Choco, historically a neglected area.
The earthquake marks a significant challenge for President de la Espriella, who recently took office and committed to a tough stance on criminal groups. The U.S. pledged $15.5 million for emergency relief, with support from other Latin American nations following.
The quake in Colombia follows devastating events in Venezuela, where over 6,300 fatalities occurred in late June due to two quakes. In addition to managing immediate rescue operations, Colombians now face longer-term recovery challenges.
Mónica Sánchez, a business owner in Pereira, described the quake’s impact on her city and business, as a wall within her work uniform factory collapsed. Fortunately, she and her employees safely evacuated.
“It was shocking — the city fell down around us,” Sánchez reflected.