Just 72 hours after Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia's president, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country's west, killing more than 260 people and injuring thousands. The disaster has become an immediate and unexpected test for the far-right leader, who promised "decisive leadership and an iron fist against crime." Now, with rescue efforts underway and communities devastated, the question is whether his government can rise to the challenge. Main Developments At least 260 people have died, with thousands more injured, as the quake devastated cities and towns across western Colombia. Cali, Pereira, and other urban centers saw heavy machinery, cranes, and excavators operating within 24 hours, while smaller, isolated communities were left to clear rubble by hand, many without power or basic services. President de la Espriella declared an "economic emergency" and announced three days of national mourning before touring the worst-affected areas. The government also promised temporary relief for families in Risaralda, including rent subsidies and a three-month suspension of utility payments. Read also: Europe's Heatwave Exposes a Crisis Beyond the Thermometer Firefighters reached affected areas first, followed by Civil Defence officials and other emergency services. Humanitarian aid collected in Bogota and other cities was flown to disaster zones, and temporary shelters were set up for displaced people. Background Colombia has considerable experience responding to natural disasters, but this response is complicated by a failed transition from the outgoing leftist administration of Gustavo Petro. The lack of a proper handover has left the National Disaster Risk Management Unit in a state of limbo, with an acting director from the previous government working alongside a new team. Officials from two different governments must now cooperate despite their differences and the deep polarization following one of the closest elections in history. The disaster agency will not be the official source of updates; instead, the executive and the president's office will solely provide information, including the official death toll. The quake's epicentre was in Choco, one of Colombia's poorest districts, where communities live among dense rainforests with poor roads and a history of state neglect and armed conflict. Communications in those areas remain difficult, making it hard to assess the full scale of the damage. Why It Matters The earthquake strikes at the heart of de la Espriella's presidency, testing his ability to lead in a crisis. His handling of the disaster will likely define his early tenure, and whether a deeply divided political class can work together during the emergency is a critical question. Vital infrastructure has been severely hit: six airports were closed, dozens of roads were affected by landslides, and in Cali, several floors of a prominent hospital collapsed, forcing about 600 patients into temporary tents. Many other medical facilities have also been damaged, straining an already fragile system. For affected communities, especially in isolated regions like Choco, the slow flow of official information and the lack of basic services compound the tragedy. The government's decision to centralize updates has left journalists and residents piecing together information from local authorities. What's Next Rescue and aid efforts are ongoing, with the government focusing on reaching isolated communities and restoring basic services. The "economic emergency" declaration may unlock additional resources, but the full extent of the damage is still unknown, particularly in Choco. As the death toll continues to be updated by the president's office, the government faces the challenge of coordinating relief across political divides. The coming weeks will reveal whether de la Espriella's promises of decisive leadership hold up under the weight of a national catastrophe.