Colombia declares 3 days mourning for quake victims

On Monday, Colombia experienced its strongest earthquake of the century, registering at a 7.4 magnitude. The devastating tremor struck the western part of the country, resulting in the tragic loss of over 200 lives. In a display of solidarity, the Colombian government declared a three-day mourning period for the victims of the earthquake. Flags on official buildings and Colombian embassies worldwide were lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect.

Efforts to locate survivors were in full swing, with authorities revising the initial death toll down to 216 following corrections from local officials in Cali. In Pereira and Cali, rescuers utilized cranes, canines, and heavy machinery to sift through the rubble, while volunteers formed human chains to manually clear debris in an attempt to reach those still trapped under the collapsed structures.

The initial two days following an earthquake are critical for finding survivors under the rubble, with experts suggesting a 72-hour window during which there is a higher likelihood of rescue success. As hope dwindled, a glimmer of happiness emerged on Tuesday when rescuers managed to extricate 32-year-old Daniela Largo from the debris. Her mother, Sandra Milena Perez, expressed relief, stating, "We were losing hope and then we received a call."

The earthquake's impact was felt across Colombia's infrastructure, with the health system being overwhelmed, turning the rescue effort into one of the nation's largest disaster responses in recent years. Many survivors were compelled to spend the night outdoors, either due to damaged homes or concerns about aftershocks. One park in Pereira was converted into a makeshift shelter, providing tents and mattresses for those in need.

In Cali, part of the Hospital Universitario del Valle succumbed to the quake's force, prompting doctors to move patients into a parking lot and treat some patients in the open air. Colombians across the nation rallied to provide aid, with thousands bringing water, food, and supplies to affected neighborhoods. Long lines formed at blood donation centers as donors rushed to help those in need.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and pledged rent subsidies for affected families during a visit to Pereira. The United States pledged US$15.5 million in emergency aid, and messages of support and offers of assistance poured in from around the world.