Colombia earthquake response enters grim phase as hope for more survivors fades
Rescue teams in Colombia are scaling back searches after a powerful earthquake killed at least 265 people, with around 500 still missing.
Rescue efforts in Colombia have shifted from search and rescue to debris removal as the grim reality of the 7.4 magnitude earthquake becomes more apparent. The powerful quake, which struck early Monday morning, has left at least 265 people dead and around 500 others still unaccounted for. In the city of Cali, the primary epicenter, crews have turned their focus to clearing debris, signaling the transition into a more challenging phase of disaster response.
The aftershocks, now totaling over 150, continue to complicate the situation for both survivors and rescue workers navigating through unstable rubble. President Abelardo De La Espriella, a relative newcomer to office, has declared an economic emergency and pledged to establish a reconstruction fund to channel aid to hospitals, schools, homes, and infrastructure.
Amid criticism over the government's handling of international assistance, officials insist they have not rejected any offers but will only accept teams certified to meet established standards for search and rescue operations.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
