Colombia enters ‘final phase’ of quake search as toll hits 265

On Wednesday, Colombia's earthquake rescue efforts entered what officials described as the "final phase." The magnitude 7.4 quake, the strongest to strike Colombia in this century, has claimed 265 lives, injured over 3,500, and left nearly 500 people missing, according to local authorities. In Pereira, crews concentrated their search efforts on a collapsed bakery where a street vendor, Pablo Loaiza, has been trapped since Monday.

Using vibration-detecting equipment, rescuers reported possible signs of life from Loaiza, causing his relatives to gather outside the wreckage. They expressed optimism, with 16-year-old Sara Loaiza saying, "My heart is about to burst out of my chest." Authorities noted that the 72-hour mark, when survivors are most likely to be found alive, is approaching.

Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder stated, "We are entering the final phase," emphasizing that while survivors might still be found, the odds are decreasing. Rescue teams in Cali and Pereira prepared to work through another night, relying solely on their hands, cranes, and sniffer dogs, as they would not take breaks but listen for signs of life.

Every half hour, the rescuers stopped to ensure everyone remained silent, hoping to detect any living individuals. So far, three people have been rescued alive, and three have been confirmed dead. President of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, declared the disaster an "economic emergency" and announced three days of national mourning.

Over 11,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving thousands of families homeless. In El Cairo, residents formed lines outside community kitchens, enduring power outages and anxiety about aftershocks. In Roldanillo, Yuliana Mendez searched the debris of her destroyed beauty products store, lamenting, "It's like starting over from scratch."

In Pereira's Providencia neighborhood, residents salvaged furniture and household items from their damaged homes. Ana Paulina Crosthwaite, a lawyer, expressed shock, stating, "We are not prepared to tell our children that we have to pack whatever we can and start a new life." Donations of water, food, and supplies poured in, and long lines formed at blood donation centers. People expressed a desire to help their communities and country.