Deadly Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia, Rescue Efforts Underway

BOGOTA, Colombia — Search and rescue operations commenced early Tuesday across numerous cities and towns in western Colombia following a powerful earthquake. The disaster has claimed at least 111 lives and many individuals remain trapped beneath the debris of collapsed structures.

On Monday, the 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Cali, Quibdo, Pereira, and several other cities. Reports indicate that around 1,600 buildings suffered damage or complete collapse. Soldiers, rescue teams, and locals worked together to clear debris manually, forming lines to transport large concrete pieces.

President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed the death toll reached 111 in the afternoon. Families turned to citizen-run websites to share information about loved ones who are missing. By nightfall, reports of missing persons had surpassed 2,700.

Dana Carolina Zamora shared an image of her missing uncle, Miguel Ángel Zamora, who was last seen with his dog. Living near the quake’s epicenter in a rural area of El Cairo, Zamora’s uncle resided in a vulnerable house of sticks and mud. “We are afraid. We hope that is not the case, that he is all right and that it is only a communication failure,” Zamora expressed.

Local officials noted that roughly 80% of El Cairo sustained damage. The town has a population of roughly 7,000 people.

Choco, located in proximity to the epicenter, is noted for its economic hardships and ongoing conflicts involving armed groups. Access to Choco is limited, available predominantly by boat, aircraft, or through dense jungle paths. The extent of the damage in this region remains uncertain. De la Espriella made a visit to Quibdo, the capital of Choco, to evaluate the situation. He announced an extensive deployment of military, police, engineers, search teams, and dogs to aid recovery efforts. Additionally, he promised housing subsidies for impacted residents.

“Choco will never again be the ‘land of the forgotten,’” stated de la Espriella.

This earthquake represents a major challenge for President de la Espriella, who took office on Friday. Known for his firm stance on criminal activity, his approach is polarizing.

The U.S. State Department pledged $15.5 million in aid for emergency shelter, food, and relief services. Countries around Latin America have also stepped in to offer assistance.

The Colombian populace is uneasy, recalling two destructive quakes in Venezuela in late June which resulted in over 6,300 fatalities. Colombians are only beginning to understand the long-term implications of this recent catastrophe.

Mónica Sánchez, a proprietor of a uniform manufacturing business in Pereira, one of the areas severely affected, recounted the incident. Her factory’s wall collapsed, but she and her staff managed to escape unharmed. “It was shocking — the city fell down around us,” Sánchez recounted.

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Janetsky reported from Mexico City.