Colombia's Austerity President Faces Earthquake Recovery Three Days In

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake in western Colombia killed 265 and destroyed 9,550-plus homes. President de La Espriella, inaugurated three days prior, campaigned on cutting spending — including the state risk management unit now leading the response. He declared an economic emergency without detailing measures. ACLED analyst Tiziano Breda called the quake his first test.