Colombia's President Espriella to Lead Bogota Earthquake Response

Colombia’s newly inaugurated president, Gustavo Petro, declared that he would personally oversee emergency rescue operations in Bogotá following a powerful earthquake that struck the capital earlier this week. Petro took the oath of office on Monday and immediately issued a statement to the nation, pledging to coordinate all government agencies and volunteer groups in the search for survivors and the stabilization of damaged infrastructure.

The earthquake, measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, struck the city’s western districts at 2:47 a.m. local time, causing widespread collapse of residential buildings and public facilities. Preliminary reports from the National Civil Protection Agency indicate that at least 112 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 600 injured and over 5,000 residents displaced. Petro’s administration has mobilized the National Army, the National Police, and the National Health Service to conduct search and rescue missions, provide medical assistance, and secure critical utilities such as water and electricity.

In a televised address, President Petro emphasized the importance of swift, coordinated action and urged citizens to remain calm while authorities work to restore normalcy. He also announced the creation of a special task force to manage logistics, medical triage, and reconstruction planning, with the goal of restoring essential services within the next 48 hours and beginning long‑term rebuilding efforts thereafter.