A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has severely impacted western Colombia, leaving more than 111 people dead and many unaccounted for. Search and rescue teams began operations early Tuesday across numerous cities affected by the disaster.

Widespread Destruction

The quake struck on Monday, affecting cities including Cali, Quibdo, and Pereira. Approximately 1,600 buildings have either collapsed or been significantly damaged. Families are utilizing citizen-managed websites to share information about over 2,700 missing individuals as of Monday night.

Government Response

This natural disaster serves as the first significant challenge for President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just last Friday. Known for his strong stance against criminal groups, de la Espriella visited Quibdo, the capital of Choco, an area heavily affected by the quake. He has committed to ensuring that Choco will not remain neglected, mobilizing extensive government resources for relief efforts.

Rescue Operations

As daylight graced the skies over Choco, rescue workers were already amidst the debris, conducting search operations. Due to the region’s remote nature, accessible mainly via boat, jungle paths, or air, efforts have been particularly challenging. De la Espriella has deployed military, police forces, engineers, and search dogs to assist in these operations.

Additionally, he pledged rental support for citizens whose homes have sustained damage, providing them a temporary reprieve while repairs are underway.

Witnesses and Images From the Scene

Images from the scene show residents and police working together, navigating the debris, and assisting survivors. In Cali, efforts to evacuate patients from a hospital were documented, alongside scenes of vehicles crushed under fallen debris. Residents in Bogota were seen outside their homes, responding to tremors felt there.

President de la Espriella is actively managing the crisis, having led a meeting in Bogota focused on earthquake response. Volunteers and rescue personnel continue to remove enormous concrete pieces from the ruins, driven by the urgent need to find survivors.