A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Villavicencio, Colombia, at 10:47 AM, shaking cities as far as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. The tremor lasted 45 seconds, damaging buildings, cutting power, and sparking widespread panic.
In Bogotá, a residential tower cracked and leaned dangerously, forcing urgent rescue efforts. Firefighters and volunteers cleared rubble by hand, pulling survivors from debris-strewn streets. Hospitals were overwhelmed, and rural communities near the epicenter faced landslides and isolation.
President Duque pledged $50 million in aid and vowed swift recovery. As rescue teams worked through the night, locals formed human chains, comforted survivors, and showed remarkable bravery.
Now, as the dust settles, Colombia begins a long road to recovery—scarred, but united and unbroken.
