Rescuers call for silence around earthquake rubble as window for survival narrows in Colombia

In Cali, Colombia, rescuers have been tirelessly searching for survivors amidst the rubble following a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the region on Monday. As the window for survival narrows, with the most critical hours being the initial 48 to 72 after the disaster, search teams have resorted to a crucial tactic - the call for silence.

This is to listen intently for any faint sounds that could indicate the presence of trapped individuals. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that at least 265 people have lost their lives and hundreds more are still missing. Rescuer Daiana Rojas expressed her hope, stating that there might still be two survivors left and she is optimistic.

Her determination is fueled by the fact that she herself was unharmed by the quake. The mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, reinforced the critical nature of the next 20 hours, warning that this is the most crucial period to find and rescue people alive. The resilience of the city is being tested as it grapples with the aftermath of the quake, placing a heavy strain on the new administration of President Abelardo de la Espriella.