Colombian woman pulled alive from rubble as earthquake death toll tops 200
Colombian rescuers pulled a 32-year-old woman alive from the rubble of a collapsed building on Tuesday, sparking cheers and applause as exhausted crews raced to find more survivors from the country’s strongest earthquake in a century. Daniela Largo was carried from the wreckage wrapped in a blue blanket as rescuers embraced and relatives shouted out with joy. Soldiers, firefighters and volunteers…
On Tuesday, rescuers in Colombia pulled 32-year-old Daniela Largo from the rubble of a collapsed building, bringing cheers and applause from the exhausted crews. The quake, the country's strongest in a century, had claimed 216 lives, down from an initially higher toll. Her mother, Sandra Milena Perez, recounted how a neighbor heard cries for help and joined others in clearing debris, leading to Daniela's rescue.
Emergency crews in Pereira and Cali used cranes, dogs, and heavy machinery to search collapsed buildings, while volunteers formed human chains to clear debris by hand. The healthcare system was overwhelmed, turning the rescue effort into a massive disaster response. Survivors, many of whom lost their homes and livelihoods, gathered in parks and makeshift shelters, hoping to reunite with loved ones.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and promised rent subsidies. The United States pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid, with support pouring in from around the world as rescue crews continued their efforts through the night.
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