Colombia Earthquake Rescue Efforts Enter Critical Stage

Rescuers in Colombia are making final efforts to locate earthquake survivors as the crucial 72-hour rescue window nears its end. A magnitude 7.4 earthquake, the most powerful to hit Colombia this century, has resulted in 265 deaths, nearly 3,500 injuries, and close to 500 people missing, according to the new President Abelardo de la Espriella. Civil databases report over 4,100 missing persons. Nearly 26,000 families have been impacted, said de la Espriella.

‘Our efforts are focused on the disappeared,’ he stated to reporters in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.

In cities like Cali and Pereira, emergency crews have worked tirelessly for three nights, using their hands, cranes, and sniffer dogs. They pause only to listen for signs of life. Thursday morning marks 72 hours since the quake—an optimal period to find survivors alive under collapsed structures.

We will hold on to hope until the very end, stated Cali resident Martha Perez, who feared for two relatives under the rubble.

Volunteer rescuer Fernando Loaiza shared, ‘The entire city of Cali is hoping to find more survivors.’ On Wednesday, Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder noted that rescue efforts were entering the final phase.

President de la Espriella declared the disaster an ‘economic emergency’ and announced three days of national mourning. He vowed that measures would be taken to recover as a nation. Official figures show over 11,000 homes destroyed, leaving thousands homeless.

An aerial view captured civilians and emergency workers collaborating in Cali to locate survivors post-earthquake.

Focus on Potential Survivors

In Pereira, rescue teams concentrated on a collapsed bakery where they hoped a street vendor might still be alive. Equipment detecting vibrations registered possible signs of life from Pablo Loaiza, prompting relatives to gather near the site.

Relatives said the man seemed to respond to the rescuers’ signals, generating applause from observers.

Every half hour we make everyone be quiet to see if we can find people alive, shared volunteer rescuer Johana Sanchez. ‘So far, three people have been rescued alive, three found dead.’

Many have spent nights outside due to either damaged homes or fear of aftershocks. Manizales experienced significant damage to structures, including the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.

In Roldanillo, Yuliana Mendez reflected on the devastation of her workplace. ‘It’s like starting over from scratch,’ she stated.

Residents of Pereira’s Providencia neighborhood evacuated belongings from damaged homes, including lawyer Ana Paulina Crosthwaite, whose apartment became unsafe. She expressed her shock over needing to relocate with her family.

Communal Support and International Aid

Colombians have mobilized to assist, delivering necessities to affected areas. Blood donation centers experienced long queues as people offered help.

It’s about wanting to help your community, your city, and your country, stated Ferney Cabrera, a blood donor.

The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency aid, while the European Union pledged two million euros ($2.3 million).