Search for survivors of Colombia earthquake enters "final phase"
Rescuers in Colombia were making last-ditch efforts to locate earthquake survivors early Thursday as the critical 72-hour window for rescue operations neared its end.
Rescuers in Colombia are making final efforts to locate earthquake survivors as the 72-hour rescue window draws to a close. The magnitude 7.4 quake, the strongest to hit Colombia this century, has resulted in 265 deaths, nearly 3,500 injuries and nearly 500 people still missing. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella reported that civilian-run databases place the number of missing at over 4,100.
Nearly 26,000 families have been impacted by the disaster. Efforts are now focused on identifying the "disappeared," with emergency crews working through a third night using bare hands, cranes and sniffer dogs. In cities like Cali and Pereira, rescue teams have been working continuously without rest, listening for any signs of life.
Martha Perez, a resident of Cali, expressed her helplessness as two relatives are believed to still be trapped under rubble. She stated, "We will hold on to (hope) until the very end." Volunteer rescuer Fernando Loaiza of Cali noted that their city's efforts are now in the final phase. President 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 Pereira, rescuers discovered possible signs of life from a man trapped beneath rubble since the earthquake, drawing applause from onlookers. So far, three people have been rescued alive and three have been confirmed dead. Many survivors have spent consecutive nights outdoors, either due to damaged homes or fear of aftershocks.
In Roldanillo, Yuliana Mendez, a woman who worked at a beauty products store, expressed the feeling of having to start over. In Pereira, lawyer Ana Paulina Crosthwaite and her family remain in a state of shock, unable to tell their children they must pack and start anew. Colombians have come together to help, providing water, food and supplies while long lines formed at blood donation centers.
The United States pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid, and the European Union contributed 2 million euros ($2.3 million).
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