Catastrophic Debut: Colombia's New President Faces Disaster Within Days of Taking Office A 7. 4 magnitude earthquake that ravaged western Colombia has become a seismic test of the new administration's mettle.
The disaster, which has already claimed over 287 lives, struck just days after President Abelardo de la Espriella took office.
The timing is particularly egregious, as it presents De la Espriella with a baptism by fire.