Sydney expats recount harrowing collapse of their Colombian home in 7.4-magnitude quake

A Sydney couple who had just settled into

A Sydney couple who had just settled into a new life in Colombia has described the terrifying seconds when a powerful earthquake reduced their house to rubble.

Christian Bitancurt and Ana Maria Chaves, who relocated from Sydney to Colombia only months ago, were inside their home when the magnitude-7.4 tremor struck on Friday. The quake, one of the strongest to hit the region in decades, sent shockwaves through their neighborhood, turning their residence into a pile of debris.

"It felt like the whole world was shaking apart," Bitancurt said in an interview. "We heard a deafening crack, then the walls started crumbling around us. In a split second, our home just fell to bits."

The couple managed to escape with minor injuries

The couple managed to escape with minor injuries, but they lost nearly all their belongings. Chaves described the aftermath as "a blur of dust and panic," adding that neighbors rushed to help them pull out whatever could be salvaged from the wreckage.

Local authorities have reported significant damage across the affected area, with rescue teams still searching for survivors. The earthquake also triggered landslides and cut off power in several communities, complicating relief efforts.

For Bitancurt and Chaves, the ordeal has upended their plans for a fresh start in South America. "We came here for a new chapter, and now we're just trying to piece together what's left," Chaves said, her voice trembling.

Despite the devastation, the couple expressed gratitude …

Despite the devastation, the couple expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from both local residents and family back in Australia. They are now staying with friends while assessing their next steps, unsure whether they will rebuild or return to Sydney.

The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region's seismic volatility, with seismologists warning that aftershocks could continue in the coming days. For now, the couple is focused on recovery, one day at a time.