Colombia earthquake rescue efforts enter 'final phase' as death toll rises

The death toll from Colombia's powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake reached 202 on Wednesday, as rescue operations continued into a third day, according to the Institute of Legal Medicine. The bodies were recovered from collapsed buildings in Chocó, Caldas, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca. Of the 202 victims, 121 had been identified, including five children.

Authorities anticipate the numbers will increase as search and rescue efforts persist and reports are reconciled from affected regions. An earlier report by Colombia's mayors' association estimated 188 deaths, 1,677 injuries, and damage to 243 structures and over 1,500 homes. Cities such as Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, and Manizales have been particularly hard-hit, with Cali reporting 95 deaths and 997 injuries, and Pereira recording 79 deaths and 278 injuries.

International assistance is arriving, with the U.S. mobilizing technical urban search-and-rescue teams and pledging financial aid. Mexico is providing 19.5 tonnes of food supplies and essential goods for affected families, with more shipments expected. Colombia has declared three days of national mourning, with the flag flying at half-mast and national solidarity expressed for the families affected by the disaster.