Anguish of Colombian brother at rubble of building being searched for earthquake survivors

Efraín Gallego clings to hope despite the desperate situation, his voice trembling with emotion as he speaks of his 80-year-old brother caught under the rubble of the Torres del Limonar building that collapsed in Cali. The city, located in southwestern Colombia, has been one of the hardest hit by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on Monday.

Mayor Alejandro Éder says at least 95 people have died in the city, which is home to over two million residents. The collapsed four-story building, known as Torres del Limonar, sits in the Capri neighbourhood on the south side of Cali. The structure held dozens of apartments and it's unclear how many tenants were inside when it came tumbling down.

Amid the chaos, rescuers, volunteers, military personnel, paramedics, firefighters, and journalists have descended upon the site, with more than 100 people waiting anxiously for any news. According to a rescue worker, around ten people have been saved since the collapse, and there are at least two individuals still alive. The rescuer, James Velasco, explains that one of the survivors needs his leg freed.

In the wake of the tragedy, many residents have chosen not to speak, visibly affected by the devastation. Amidst the anguish, volunteers like 19-year-old Alejandro Mahecha have come to aid in the rescue efforts, helping to clear rubble, bring water to rescuers, and create escape routes.