Rescue workers and volunteers are racing against time to clear rubble and search for survivors following Colombia’s strongest earthquake on record. The 7.4-magnitude quake hit the country early Tuesday, causing widespread devastation across the western region.
As of late Monday, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities reported that at least 132 people had died, while over 570 others were injured. Shockingly, more than 2,700 people are still missing, prompting families to post frantic pleas for information online.
We hope that he is all right and that it is only a communication failure. But we haven’t heard anything from him.
The epicenter was in San Jose Del Palmar, shaking cities including Pereira, which plunged into darkness. Residents described the area as resembling “a zombie city,” with no power and chaos engulfing the streets.
Pereira’s airport became a scene of panic, as videos showed travelers screaming and running through falling debris. Meanwhile, Colombia’s newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency, pledging a unified rescue operation.
Damage is extensive, with around 1,600 buildings impacted, forcing rescuers to clear debris by hand in several areas. Dana Carolina Zamora shared a heartfelt picture of her missing uncle, Miguel Ángel Zamora, hoping his disappearance is due to communication issues.
President de la Espriella has mobilized all military and police resources to address the disaster. International aid efforts are underway, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the Trump administration remains ready to assist. South Florida organizations are preparing to send aid.
Fabio Andrade, a city commissioner from Weston, expressed the urgency, emphasizing rescue and recovery as immediate priorities.
The situation remains dire, with many areas isolated. Authorities continue working tirelessly to locate missing persons and provide essential resources.
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