Hopes of finding Colombia quake survivors fade as 72-hour rescue window closes

Colombia's most powerful earthquake in recent memory has left at least 273 people dead, over 3,800 injured, and about 377 still missing according to official figures. The critical 72-hour window for locating survivors has passed, and hopes of finding trapped individuals alive are fading. The quake struck the western cities of Cali and Pereira, as well as the coffee-growing region and coastal areas, causing extensive damage to over 13,000 homes.

Thousands of families who lost everything are now staying in temporary shelters set up in roads and parks around Cali. Maria Rodriguez, a 72-year-old woman, lost her lifetime home and now sleeps with her husband in a football field. She worries about the assistance they will receive or if they will be relocated. Rescue teams continue their search-and-rescue operations, working through the night to listen for signs of life.

Despite the passing of the 72-hour mark, miracles can still occur, but the chances of finding survivors are becoming increasingly slim. The Pacific coastal province of Choco remains severely affected, with remote communities still awaiting assessment due to lack of access by rescue teams. Authorities are continuing their rescue and recovery efforts while assessing the damage and searching for those still unaccounted for.