Rescue teams search for survivors after 7.4 quake hits western Colombia

Rescue efforts are intensifying across western Colombia following a devastating earthquake that struck on Monday, killing at least 132 people and leaving thousands unaccounted for. The magnitude 7.4 quake rattled several cities, including Cali, Quibdo, and Pereira, prompting urgent search and rescue operations in the affected areas.

The earthquake has wreaked havoc in a region already grappling with social and economic challenges. As of Monday night, more than 2,700 people were reported missing, with families turning to citizen-run websites to share information about their loved ones. In El Cairo, a town near the quake’s epicenter in San Jose del Palmar, local officials reported that approximately 80 percent of the town's structures were damaged. Many homes, traditionally built from sticks and mud, collapsed under the force of the tremors.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just days before the disaster, is facing his first major test as leader. He has mobilized the military and police forces to aid in the search efforts, deploying engineers, rescue teams, and search dogs to the hardest-hit areas. The U.S. government has pledged $15.5 million in emergency assistance, while regional governments are also stepping in to support one of Colombia's poorest and most isolated regions.

The situation remains critical as rescue teams work against the clock to find survivors. With thousands still unaccounted for and the death toll likely to rise, the response to this disaster will be crucial in determining the recovery of affected communities. The scale of destruction and loss highlights the vulnerabilities of the region, pressing the need for ongoing support and infrastructure improvements to better prepare for future disasters.