Three days into his presidency, Abelardo de la Espriella has addressed the people of Colombia following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the western region of the country. In a decisive response, he suspended all scheduled activities, convened an emergency command post, and declared a national disaster.
In a video shared on his official X account, De la Espriella spoke directly to the Colombian people with a heartfelt message.
"To Colombians going through these tough times, I want you to know: you are not alone. You have a President who cares deeply about his people and will do everything necessary to protect, support, and help the affected regions recover," stated the President.
He announced immediate action: "I am heading to Bogotá to focus on the emergency that our nation faces. I have called for a Unified Command Post at the UNGRD, where I will personally oversee efforts to assist communities in Chocó, the Coffee Axis, and all affected areas."
De la Espriella took operational control at the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management headquarters in Bogotá.
"I have taken direct leadership of the emergency response in San José del Palmar. I have ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the management of damages and aid for the victims," he specified.
The President also demanded detailed information: "I have requested a comprehensive report from the UNGRD director on the situation and the most urgent needs."
Additionally, De la Espriella announced his intention to personally visit one of the hardest-hit cities by the quake.
"I will personally be in Pereira to support the affected and verify the government's response. You are not alone. The state is present and taking action," he affirmed.
The official account of the Presidency further emphasized the message: "The President is with the UNGRD evaluating the situation, reviewing reports from across the nation, and coordinating necessary actions. The National Government remains vigilant and active."
Shortly thereafter, the President declared a national disaster, a constitutional mechanism enabling him to adopt exceptional measures and issue legislative decrees to address the crisis after assessing the impacts in Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindío.
Vice President's Response and Tragedy Overview
Vice President José Manuel Restrepo also spoke out: "At this moment, the priority is to protect lives, rescue those trapped, attend to the injured, and deliver assistance to the hardest-hit communities. Together, we will overcome this emergency."
The earthquake, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, was recorded at 7:34 AM local time and was felt across nearly the entire Colombian territory, as well as in Ecuador and Panama.
At least 70 individuals lost their lives, with 40 fatalities concentrated in the metropolitan area of Pereira.
In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder reported 25 collapsed structures with people trapped inside. Airports in seven cities suspended operations due to infrastructure damage.
The United States Geological Survey issued an orange alert with concerning projections: the most likely scenario estimates between 100 and 1,000 fatalities, with a 20% chance that the death toll could exceed a thousand.
Understanding the Impact of the Colombian Earthquake
What is the magnitude of the earthquake that affected Colombia?
The earthquake that struck Colombia had a magnitude of 7.4.
Which regions in Colombia were most affected by the earthquake?
The regions most affected include Chocó, the Coffee Axis, and the metropolitan area of Pereira.
What actions has President De la Espriella taken in response to the disaster?
President De la Espriella has suspended his agenda, convened an emergency command post, declared a national disaster, and taken direct leadership of the response efforts.