Colombia's new president confronts major earthquake days after taking office

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed over 70 people across western Colombia on 10 August. President Abelardo de la Espriella, sworn in just two days earlier, flew to Bogotá to coordinate the response before his cabinet or emergency protocols were fully established. Six airports sustained damage, complicating relief efforts to Cali, Pereira, and Quibdó.