Key facts
- A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia.
- At least 265 people have died in the earthquake.
- Nearly 500 people are reported missing.
- Rescuers are searching for survivors in damaged areas.
- The disaster is straining Colombia's new government.
- Daniela Largo, 32, was rescued alive after 38 hours trapped.
- Her rescue operation involved dozens of specialists and volunteers.
- President Abelardo de la Espriella requested U.S. collaboration on anti-drug efforts.
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Colombia to a counter-narcotics coalition.
- China offered humanitarian aid to Colombia.
- Colombia's new president is shifting foreign policy towards the United States.
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake has devastated western Colombia, claiming the lives of at least 265 people and leaving nearly 500 others missing. Rescuers are engaged in a desperate search for survivors trapped in the rubble of razed buildings, buckled roads, and crushed cars. The scale of the disaster is placing a significant strain on Colombia's new government.
In a remarkable display of resilience, 32-year-old Daniela Largo was rescued alive after being trapped for approximately 38 hours beneath a collapsed building in Pereira. The intensive rescue operation for Largo involved dozens of specialists and volunteers and lasted for 10 hours. The overall death toll from the earthquake has reached at least 188 across the country, according to some reports.
Amidst the earthquake's aftermath, Colombia's foreign policy is undergoing a shift. New President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested U.S. collaboration in anti-drug efforts. In response, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Colombia to a counter-narcotics coalition and announced joint military operations targeting terrorists.
Simultaneously, China has extended an offer of humanitarian aid to Colombia following the earthquake. This offer comes at a time when President de la Espriella is orienting the country's foreign policy towards the United States, a move that could potentially reshape Beijing's influence within the region.