On August 10, 2026, Colombia experienced its worst earthquake in many years, with severe damage and a growing number of casualties. The newly elected president, Ávido del Espíritu, who took office on July 7, showed a beaming smile and gave kisses to the people at the earthquake press conference, which sparked controversy among the public.
Many citizens voiced their protest, “When over 100 of our compatriots have died and we're still laughing is an extreme disrespect.”
This earthquake in Colombia has resulted in at least 132 deaths—the number of victims is likely to increase. Drajespleya has declared Colombia in a “national disaster state”.
The Colombian Geological Survey reported that the 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in Chocó Province on October 10 at 07:34 local time (20:34 Beijing time). The focal depth was 103 kilometers (64 miles). The earthquake had a wide range of effects, affecting hundreds of miles of western Colombia.
After the earthquake, many countries offered humanitarian assistance. Dra Espriu revealed that authorities have mobilized all available resources to ensure the safety of the people. The most urgent task at hand is to search for people buried under the debris.
"I have never experienced such a situation." Dan Cutler, 29 years old and from London, is currently staying in Cali. "We ran outside in our pajamas. The main building of the hotel wasn’t severely damaged; only the walls had surface cracks, and the plaster and wall coatings were peeling off." he said.
Angélica Ávila, who has lived in Manizales, said in an interview with the BBC that during the earthquake, cracks appeared in the walls. "Everyone was screaming... I saw dust rising from the surrounding buildings, and bricks falling from the walls," she said.
It is reported that the death toll from the earthquake is concentrated in Pereira, a coffee-growing region in Colombia. Surrounding cities and the Cauca Valley were also severely affected. The village of San Jose del Palmar, near the epicenter, was fortunate to experience no casualties. However, in Pereira, located 55 kilometers from the epicenter, at least 40 people died. Fifty-five buildings collapsed, and people were trapped in 15 ruins. In Cali, located 200 kilometers from the epicenter, 32 buildings were damaged.
In a severe situation where hundreds have died due to the strong earthquake, this new president managed to remain calm despite the crisis. At the earthquake press conference, he laughed, waved his hand, gave kisses, and made facial expressions to the crowd. Some citizens angrily criticized him, asking what he was actually celebrating?!
A political analyst named Miguel Luhán said that Delaespreeya had a great talent for performing, which was one of the reasons why he could lead in the presidential vote.
The 47-year-old Dráas Pruey has dual citizenship in Colombia and the United States. She obtained her candidacy by collecting signatures from Colombian citizens, rather than relying on support from major political parties. Before entering politics, Dráas Pruey was a criminal defense lawyer, and she also released a cover album as a singer.
CNN noted that Draghis Puleya's campaign focused on 'creating buzz', interacting with supporters on social media through AI-generated content. He often wore football uniforms and straw hats, shouting slogans against the Petro government, claiming to 'destabilize Colombia's left-wing forces'.
As a typical far-right politician, Delgado Espilea advocated for tough measures to combat crime and implementing free-market economic policies during his campaign. He proposed using drones and artificial intelligence technology for intense anti-terrorism operations, promised to end negotiations with anti-government armed groups, and said that Colombia would be 'defended by force'. Additionally, Delgado Espilea suggested increasing fiscal revenue by cutting about 40% of national public spending and using hydraulic fracking technology to extract resources.
Additionally, according to Xinhuanet, during the campaign period, this dual-nationality new president frequently showed goodwill towards the US in order to win elections, advocating for the restoration and strengthening of relations between Colombia and the US. US President Donald Trump publicly supported his candidacy on multiple occasions, promising to provide Colombia with "full support" after winning the election. Former President Petro expressed opposition to US interference in Colombian elections, emphasizing that the country's elections should be decided by its own people.
Currently, Dela Espleyia has proactively integrated into the U.S. American military defense system, supporting the US' strategic layout in Latin America and accelerating the intensification of political "turn" towards right in the region.
Due to his right-wing labels and the "iron fist" approach, Dela Espleia ascended to the political podium. However, before he could showcase his prowess on these issues, a major earthquake presented itself as a new challenge in front of him. Not only that, but the performance at the press conference also shattered part of the public's image of the new president as being accountable and close to them.
In this painful moment when the people have lost everything, hundreds of people have died, and many buildings have collapsed, as the national president, he treated a "press conference" as if it were a casual gathering. Many citizens and the media openly said that during this major disaster, countless families are facing life-and-death separations. At this time, what is most needed is the government's rigorous disaster relief planning and a compassionate attitude.
It is widely believed that this earthquake could be a major test of Dela Espira’s tough governance philosophy and emergency management capabilities. It also introduces some uncertainties into the path ahead of this pro-US new president.
