Nation on the edge of tectonic plates and deep divisions

Colombia is grappling with a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck its Pacific coast, causing widespread destruction and claiming over 200 lives. The catastrophic event occurred simultaneously with the inauguration of the country's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. The earthquake, the strongest to hit the seismically active nation since 1990, has leveled at least 1,500 buildings, leaving many people buried under rubble. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, with authorities requesting complete silence in affected areas to listen for survivors. President de la Espriella, who was en route to Bogota from Cali when the tremors hit, has declared a state of emergency. The nation now faces the dual challenges of a new political administration and a significant natural disaster, testing its resilience and response capabilities.