Colombia’s Devastating Earthquake: Search and Recovery Efforts Underway

Rescue workers and volunteers in Colombia are working tirelessly to clear rubble and search for survivors following the country’s most powerful earthquake on record. This seismic event, with a magnitude of 7.4, struck on Tuesday morning, affecting cities in Colombia’s western region.

By Monday afternoon, authorities reported at least 132 deaths and over 570 injuries. The Colombian Association of Capital Cities, which coordinates the major cities across the country, is overseeing the response efforts. By Monday night, reports indicated that over 2,700 people were missing, with families turning to online platforms to post information about lost loved ones.

The earthquake hit the western region of Colombia shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time, causing widespread panic.

In Pereira, one of the most affected cities, the earthquake caused a citywide blackout. Volunteers were seen searching through the rubble of collapsed structures in hopes of finding survivors.

Juan David Gaitan, a resident, described the scene to AFP, saying, “We’re without power. This seems honestly like a zombie city.” At Pereira’s airport, chaos erupted as parts of the ceiling collapsed, sending travelers rushing for safety amid the debris.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, recently inaugurated, declared a state of emergency. He promised a coordinated rescue effort, mobilizing both military and police resources to address the immediate needs.

Approximately 1,600 buildings were reported damaged or collapsed. Footage and photos show rescue workers clearing rubble by hand in certain areas. Dana Carolina Zamora, sharing an image of her missing uncle, Miguel Ángel Zamora, living near the epicenter in San Jose Del Palmar, expressed fear about his fate, mentioning communication issues that may be causing delays in finding missing persons.

De la Espriella committed to deploying full government resources, announcing the mobilization of the entire military and police apparatus to aid the affected regions.

International support is being prepared, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the Trump administration is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to provide aid. American humanitarian groups, especially in South Florida, are organizing to send assistance. Fabio Andrade, a Colombian American official in Weston, emphasized the urgency of the situation, prioritizing rescue and recovery efforts as the primary focus during this critical time.