Colombia Earthquake: Rescue Teams Race Against Time as Death Toll Reaches 265

AP

Colombia Earthquake Leaves 265 Dead as Search for Survivors Continues.

Rescue teams in Colombia intensified their efforts on Thursday to find survivors trapped beneath rubble following a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake, as the critical 72-hour window for search and rescue operations drew to a close.

The earthquake, which struck western Colombia on Monday, has killed at least 265 people, injured more than 3,500 and left around 500 people missing, according to local authorities. More than 52,000 people have been affected by the disaster. 

Rescuers worked for a third consecutive night in cities including Cali and Pereira, searching collapsed buildings and devastated neighbourhoods for signs of life.

By Thursday morning, 72 hours had passed since the earthquake — a period widely regarded as critical for locating people trapped beneath rubble. Rescue efforts were entering a more difficult phase as hopes of finding survivors began to diminish. 

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office only days before the disaster, declared an economic emergency and three days of national mourning. He pledged that his government would do everything necessary to respond to the crisis and rebuild the country.

Official figures indicate that more than 11,000 homes were destroyed, leaving thousands of families without shelter. The President said 52,816 people had been affected, while red alerts remained in force in Cali, Pereira, Quevedo, Manizales and Armenia.

Many residents have spent successive nights outdoors after their homes were damaged or because they feared further aftershocks. In Pereira’s Providencia neighbourhood, residents were seen removing furniture and other belongings from damaged buildings.

Volunteers across Colombia have also joined relief efforts, delivering water, food and other essential supplies to affected communities, while long queues have formed at blood donation centres.

International assistance has begun to arrive, with the United States announcing $15.5 million in emergency aid for Colombia, while the European Union pledged €2 million, equivalent to around $2.3 million.

The disaster has become a major early test for De la Espriella’s administration, which is now facing the enormous task of coordinating rescue operations, providing assistance to displaced families and overseeing the country’s long-term reconstruction. 


PUKMEDIA