Colombia declares 3 days mourning for quake victims

Bogota, Colombia announced a three-day mourning period following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Monday, leaving over 200 people dead. The government ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on official buildings and Colombian embassies worldwide in tribute to the victims.

Search and rescue efforts intensified as authorities corrected the initial death toll from 216 to 216 after local officials in Cali provided updated figures. In Pereira and Cali, emergency crews utilized cranes, dogs, and heavy machinery to sift through rubble, while volunteers formed human chains to clear debris manually in an attempt to reach survivors trapped under collapsed structures. The first 72 hours post-quake are critical for finding survivors, with hopes diminishing significantly after that window.

Rescue operations were hampered by the quake's impact on the health system, transforming it into one of Colombia's largest disaster responses in recent years. Many survivors found themselves sleeping outdoors, either due to damaged homes or the fear of aftershocks. A park in Pereira was converted into a temporary shelter with tents and mattresses, where a family of four, including a seven-month-old infant, found refuge.

Despite the tragedy, Colombians displayed remarkable unity and compassion. Thousands contributed water, food, and supplies to affected areas, with long queues forming at blood donation centers. The US pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid, while nations worldwide expressed their condolences and offered assistance following the natural disaster.