On Monday, a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, causing extensive damage and resulting in at least 111 confirmed deaths, with some reports suggesting the toll could be as high as 132.
This earthquake, the strongest recorded in Colombia this century, struck at a depth of 107 km and has led to the collapse of buildings, including a four-story structure in Pereira and parts of a cathedral in Manizales.
President Abelardo De La Espriella, who was sworn in just days prior, declared a national state of emergency and emphasized the government's commitment to rescue efforts and aid distribution. He visited affected areas, promising rent subsidies for displaced families and deploying additional security personnel to prevent looting amid curfews in cities like Cali.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with volunteers and emergency services working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under rubble. The earthquake has also disrupted air travel, with several regional airports suspending operations for safety inspections.
The event underscores Colombia's vulnerability to seismic activity, particularly given its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, and raises concerns about the potential for aftershocks, as authorities have already recorded 21 by late Monday