National emergency as 111 killed in Colombia earthquake

Colombia is grappling with its strongest earthquake this century after a powerful 7.4-magnitude tremor struck the western part of the country, killing at least 111 people and injuring hundreds more. The quake toppled buildings, damaged hospitals and infrastructure, and trapped numerous individuals beneath the rubble.

The disaster thrusts the new administration of President Abelardo De La Espriella, who was sworn in just days ago, into its first major crisis. The nation still recalls the devastating earthquakes that struck neighboring Venezuela in June. In a national address, President De La Espriella declared a state of emergency, stating, "The national government has all of its capabilities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid wherever it is needed."

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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 president's immediate priority is the rescue of those trapped. He visited Quibdo, the capital of the coastal Choco province, promising rent subsidies for displaced residents. He then traveled to Cali, the largest city in western Colombia, where he reported 35 deaths and 700 injuries, though some local media cite a higher national toll of 132 deaths.

Rescue efforts are underway, with volunteers and emergency workers working through the night to find survivors. Curfews have been imposed in cities like Cali, Armenia, and Manizales due to threats of looting. The annual Petronio Alvarez festival, a celebration of Pacific music scheduled to begin soon, has been postponed. Videos broadcast by local media show dramatic rescues, including a baby being pulled from the rubble and people being evacuated from hospital windows.

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The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble.