Rescue Efforts Underway After Major Earthquake in Colombia
Pereira, Colombia – Volunteers worked tirelessly through the night, sifting through debris in hopes of finding survivors after a devastating earthquake struck Colombia, claiming at least 181 lives and causing extensive damage to over a hundred buildings.
The earthquake, which hit at 7:34 am local time on Monday, affected several cities in the coffee region and the Pacific area. Pereira, with a population of around 500,000, was the most impacted.
Residents navigated darkened streets armed with flashlights as they joined the efforts to locate those trapped under the ruins. Volunteers focused their attention on a collapsed six-story building where two young girls were believed to be caught.
“It breaks my heart to see our city like this, knowing there might still be people alive down there,” expressed 25-year-old Juana Marin, who joined others in manually clearing away rubble.
The quake, described as Colombia’s most powerful in a century by the US Geological Survey, has been marked as one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the nation in years. In a combined statement, the mayors of the affected cities confirmed the tragic death toll and noted over 1,300 injuries.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, just beginning his term, declared a state of emergency and promised a focused rescue effort.
Volunteers Unite for Rescue
In the city of Cali, volunteers quickly began their work, using simple tools and their bare hands to search for survivors. Rescuers linked arms to form human chains, carefully removing debris while taking moments to listen for signs of life.
Andres Felipe Mejia was part of the makeshift rescue team. “We are doing everything we can to bring people out alive,” he stated. He recounted a moment when rescuers heard someone whistle back after calling out, leading to the rescue of a man and a baby, although the man’s wife remained trapped.
“There are so many people coming together to bring supplies and food to help those in need,” he added.
Hospitals across five Colombian cities were put on high alert, and a nighttime curfew was imposed in Cali as officials worked to manage the situation.
“It felt like the end of the world,” described volunteer Nelson Moreno, recalling the chaos as people searched for their loved ones amidst the turmoil.
Calls for Community and Support
Colombian superstar Shakira reached out to the nation, urging unity and support: “Sending all my strength and love to my homeland. Let’s hold each other tight.”
As a response to the disaster, several local airports were temporarily closed, while people like tattoo artist Andres Hernandez expressed concern for their friends and family, stating he would stay alert due to fears of collapsing buildings around him.
Scenes of devastation emerged across the affected areas, with debris and furniture scattered, buildings with severe structural damage, and many residents fleeing their homes, often without even dressing.
In Manizales, the earthquake caused significant damage to a beloved neo-Gothic cathedral, and in Quibdo, local officials reported that essential services and communication systems were down.
One Quibdo resident, law student Wilmer Cuesta, conveyed the sudden panic, “People ran out without clothes, jumping from the second floor of their homes.”
Ongoing Alerts and Global Support
The earthquake’s tremors were felt throughout Colombia, even in the capital, Bogotá, where crowds rushed into the streets in pajamas. The quake, which struck at a depth of 110 kilometers (about 68 miles), was also felt in neighboring nations, including Ecuador and Panama.
Experts attribute the earthquake to shifts in the Nazca tectonic plate. This tragedy follows a recent disaster in Venezuela, which saw twin quakes kill over 6,300 people and displace many more.
Messages of solidarity flooded in from around the world. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sadness and offered prayers for recovery, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist Colombia with $15.5 million in emergency relief. European Union leaders promised support, mobilizing satellite services to aid rescue operations, along with offers of assistance from countries like Israel, Mexico, and France.
