Colombia earthquake kills over 100, new president faces first crisis

Western Colombia reeled Monday after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake, the strongest in the country this century, killed more than 100 people. The seismic event toppled buildings, damaged hospitals, and trapped victims beneath rubble, presenting the new administration with its first major crisis.

President Abelardo De La Espriella declared a national state of emergency, reporting 111 deaths and vowing to deploy all government capabilities to protect lives and deliver aid. "The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble," he stated in a national address.

De La Espriella visited Quibdo, the capital of coastal Choco province, and Cali, the largest city in the western region. He promised rent subsidies for displaced residents and pledged 1,000 additional security personnel to Cali, where threats of looting prompted a curfew and the deployment of police and military.

In hard-hit Pereira, rescue workers reported being in contact with a boy trapped under a bakery. Videos showed buildings crumbling, including a side tower of Manizales' neo-Gothic cathedral. The annual Petronio Alvarez festival celebrating Pacific music, scheduled to begin Wednesday in Cali, has been postponed.

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The national government has all of its capabilities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid wherever it is needed. The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble.