Earthquake in Colombia: Merchants in Pereira salvage goods from damaged stores

The commercial heart of Pereira, in Colombia's Risaralda department, is largely paralyzed following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the region. Buildings housing businesses, restaurants, and hotels show visible cracks and structural damage, posing a significant risk.

In response to the danger, property owners and workers have received authorization to enter some of the affected premises. Their goal is to salvage merchandise and personal belongings. In the city center, merchants are attempting to rescue items such as clothing, footwear, and electronics, while streets that are normally bustling with activity now feature numerous closed establishments.

Javier Cortés, a local merchant, described the earthquake as a "very strong experience" and noted that the process of recovery and reorganization of goods is ongoing. Business owners have not yet set a date for reopening their stores, as structural assessments by authorities are still pending.

The area most affected is Carrera 9th with Calle 17, a key commercial zone in Pereira. Buildings in this sector exhibit substantial damage, and some structures have been cordoned off due to their precarious state. The facade of a bank branch, showing extensive cracks, is among the damaged properties, with safety tape warning people to stay clear.

Pereira, the capital of Risaralda and part of Colombia's coffee-growing region, relies heavily on commerce, tourism, and agribusiness. The disruption to these activities is expected to have a considerable economic impact on numerous merchants and workers.

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The earthquake was a very strong experience, and we are still in the process of recovery and reorganization of merchandise.