STORY: Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella pledged Friday (August 14) to rebuild the country's earthquake-shattered western region as rescue crews continued searching for survivors four days after one of the strongest quakes to strike the Andean nation in decades.

Speaking during a visit to Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities, De La Espriella acknowledged the scale of the devastation. "I know the situation is apocalyptic. Walking through downtown Pereira—walking through the city—breaks your heart," he said.

The president said the government would provide rental assistance to those who have lost their homes and rebuild damaged homes, government buildings, schools and hospitals.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck shortly after 7:30 a.m. Monday (August 10), with its epicentre in San José del Palmar in Choco province.

As of Friday, authorities said 287 people had been killed and nearly 4,000 injured, with nearly 400 others still missing. Cali and Pereira accounted for over two-thirds of those killed, and more than half the injured were in major cities.

The disaster is shaping up as the first major test for President Abelardo De La Espriella, a political newcomer who took office just days before the quake and has faced criticism for his initial handling of the response.

Elected in a polarizing vote, the right-wing president is set to make flying visits to five affected cities and towns on Friday.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: PEREIRA, COLOMBIA (AUGUST 14, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT, ABELARDO DE LA ESPRIELLA, GOING DOWN STAIRS AND ARRIVING AT THE EVENT TO GIVE STATEMENTS

2. VARIOUS OF DE LA ESPRIELLA ARRIVING AT THE EVENT TO GIVE STATEMENT

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) COLOMBIA'S PRESIDENT, ABELARDO DE LA ESPRIELLA, SAYING:

"I know the situation is apocalyptic. Walking through down town Pereira—walking through the city—breaks your heart. But we Colombians are used to rising up in the midst of adversity, we've never had it easy. And believe me, this situation will not be too much for us. We are going to do everything that needs to be done from the national Government to rebuild our country, and we will carry out that reconstruction together."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) COLOMBIA'S PRESIDENT, ABELARDO DE LA ESPRIELLA, SAYING:

"We will continue working; there will be solutions. We will provide rental assistance to those who have lost their homes. We will rebuild the homes that have been damaged, as well as government buildings, schools, and hospitals. In the midst of this terrible crisis, we have a great opportunity to rise like a phoenix from the ashes.."

6. DE LA ESPRIELLA EMBRACING PERSON AND LEAVING EVENT

7. DE LA ESPRIELLA GREETING PEOPLE

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) COLOMBIA'S PRESIDENT, ABELARDO DE LA ESPRIELLA, SAYING:

"We’re going to get through this together. Colombia has always faced great challenges, and we’ve always risen above adversity. We have a government that is actively engaged and committed to helping the victims. Our hearts, our efforts, and the full resolve of the State are with the victims. We’re going to get through this together because only together can we rebuild our country."

9. DE LA ESPRIELLA GREETING OFFICIAL

10. DE LA ESPRIELLA WAVING TO PEOPLE AND GETTING ON VEHICLE

11. CONVOY OF VEHICLES ESCORTING DE LA ESPRIELLA