Rescue operations in Colombia have transitioned into their final critical phase following a devastating earthquake that claimed 265 lives and left approximately 500 people still missing. The powerful 7.4 magnitude quake struck on Monday, marking the strongest seismic event to hit the nation in over a century. Rescue teams are racing against time as they approach the 72-hour window during which survivors trapped under rubble have the highest chance of being found alive.
The earthquake caused widespread destruction across multiple regions, with the hardest-hit areas being Cali and Pereira, where combined death tolls exceeded 150. Over 9,500 homes have been destroyed, and more than 3,500 people sustained injuries. In Cali, emergency crews continue working through consecutive nights using specialized equipment, sniffer dogs, and manual labor to locate survivors beneath collapsed structures.
President Abelardo de La Espriella announced plans to establish an emergency financial fund to support the reconstruction of hospitals, schools, and damaged infrastructure. The president also declared an economic emergency to address the extensive damage caused by the earthquake. Citizens have responded with widespread community support, organizing blood donations and delivering supplies to affected neighborhoods.
Local authorities report cautious optimism about potential survivors, with rescue teams detecting possible signs of life in some locations. However, officials acknowledge that locating additional survivors becomes increasingly unlikely as time passes, though rescue efforts are expected to continue beyond the critical 72-hour period.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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