Colombia quake death toll hits 273 as rescue hopes fade

CALI, Colombia - Hopes for finding survivors diminished on Thursday, as the 72-hour window for rescue efforts closed. The magnitude 7.4 earthquake killed at least 273 people and left over 3,800 injured in western cities of Cali and Pereira. Over 13,000 homes were destroyed in the coffee region and along the coast. Maria Rodriguez, 72, lost her apartment after a lifetime's saving and now stays on a soccer pitch with her 76-year-old husband.

Rescue teams continued digging, but a firefighter in Pereira admitted it was unlikely they would find anyone alive. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared the disaster an economic emergency and ordered three days of national mourning. The impoverished Choco region on the Pacific coast also suffered greatly, with remote communities yet to be surveyed.

Colombian authorities are conducting a census of damaged homes to determine occupancy. Many Colombians have volunteered to bring supplies to affected neighborhoods, and long lines formed at blood donation centers. International urban search-and-rescue teams are expected to arrive. However, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said Colombia had denied entry to Mexican rescuers due to certification issues. The Colombian administration denies these allegations.