Tons of assistance from neighboring regions have started arriving in Colombia following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the nation’s west. The disaster has severely challenged the new Colombian presidency under Abelardo de la Espriella.
The earthquake resulted in the death of at least 265 individuals, as reported by President de la Espriella. Furthermore, nearly 500 people are missing, though civilian data suggests the figures might be significantly higher, exceeding 4,100. In total, over 25,800 families have suffered from the earthquake’s impact.
“Our efforts are focused on the disappeared,” de la Espriella stated during a press briefing in Colombia’s capital. Rescuers are working relentlessly in cities such as Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo, searching for survivors trapped beneath debris.
Efforts by aid agencies are especially critical within the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster, although survival may be possible if trapped individuals have food and water. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder noted signs of life beneath the debris, emphasizing the importance of swift rescue operations.
A rescue mission in Pereira recently resulted in Daniela Largo being saved from the rubble. After a 12-hour operation, rescuers managed to stabilize her condition with IV fluids before carrying her away to an ambulance.
Meanwhile, in Cali, survivors like Ebert Jonathan Morales have lost their homes. Morales shared how his residence was completely destroyed, leaving him and his family homeless.
“My house was completely destroyed. We can’t live there,” Morales explained. “It collapsed. The floor collapsed, the walls cracked. The roof came down.”
Authorities have converted schools, sports arenas, and other public facilities into shelters for displaced individuals across affected regions. Others find solace in parks to escape possible aftershocks. Since the main tremor, Colombia’s geological service has recorded 130 aftershocks.
Seismologist Rodrigo León Loya stressed the permanent risk of seismic activity due to Colombia’s abundance of active fault lines. “The question isn’t whether it can happen again. The question is rather when an earthquake of similar magnitude will occur at another of Colombia’s seismic sources,” Loya commented.
Aid Groups Provide Humanitarian Relief
The earthquake compounds pre-existing humanitarian challenges in areas like Choco. Deep poverty and ongoing civil conflicts have already displaced numerous families.
Giovanni Rizzo, director of the Norwegian Refugee Council in Colombia, highlighted the need for enhanced humanitarian support. This is compounded by lost cell service and remote affected communities.
Humanitarian organizations had established presence in Choco due to previous commitments to the 2016 peace accord. María José Torres, the U.N. resident coordinator in Colombia, praised their quick transition to providing disaster relief.
Regional Partners Offer Support
International aid continues to bolster efforts within Colombia. The U.S. State Department pledged the arrival of disaster response teams alongside $15 million worth of aid.
Mexico has dispatched military aircraft loaded with supplies amounting to 19.5 tons of nonperishable food and personnel. More aid is expected in subsequent days through additional shipments.
In addition, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele committed to sending aircraft loaded with personnel and resources to support Colombia’s recovery.
Globally renowned figures, including Pope Leo XIV, expressed condolences towards affected individuals in Colombia, commending contributors for their support.