Search for earthquake survivors in Colombia enters critical phase
In Colombia, the desperate search for survivors is entering a critical phase after the powerful earthquake that devastated parts of the country. More than 180 people are confirmed dead. But 24 hours after the quake struck, there are still remarkable moments of hope. Geoff Bennett reports.
The desperate search for earthquake survivors in Colombia is entering a critical phase after the powerful 7.4-magnitude quake that devastated parts of the country. More than 180 people have been confirmed dead, while 24 hours after the quake struck, there are still remarkable moments of hope. In Santiago de Cali, neighbors and rescue workers gathered to clear away rubble, finding at least 86 people alive, including a 6-month-old baby and his mother.
In Pereira, an architect named Jairo Vargas joined the search, convinced his brother was trapped in his apartment. The Red Cross rescuer, Jose Fernando Usma, expressed hope that there is still a 24-hour window to find survivors, emphasizing the potential for isolated air pockets or survivable spaces. Colombia is mobilizing resources for a massive rescue and recovery effort, with soldiers deployed to help with rescue and cleanup operations.
However, reaching the hardest-hit areas remains a challenge due to damaged infrastructure, including six closed airports. Despite the challenges, persistence in searching for survivors paid off in Santiago de Cali, where firefighters found a 35-year-old man with only minor injuries, offering hope to thousands of families still waiting for word.
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