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

In Cali, Colombia, rescuers are urgently calling for silence on Thursday as the window for finding survivors in the rubble of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake narrows, according to the Associated Press. Over 270 people have died in the disaster that struck the country on Monday, with hundreds still missing. Aid agencies consider the first two to three days post-quake to be optimal for rescue operations; this period can be extended if trapped individuals have access to food and water.

Rescuer Daiana Rojas expressed hope, stating, "We have been hearing sounds since 2:30 a.m., so our hope remains." She recounted the terror of the quake, saying, "I thought that was going to be my last moment alive." Rojas, a volunteer, has witnessed two people being pulled alive from the debris. The mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, stated that the next 20 hours are critical for saving lives, but authorities acknowledge they are entering a grim phase as rescue teams shift towards recovering bodies.

Over 3,800 people were injured, with more than 72,800 homes damaged and nearly 12,600 destroyed. Nearly 500 people are reported missing, though civilian-run databases suggest the number could be over 4,200. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella acknowledged the challenges faced by his government while aid groups work to support affected communities. A 4.2 magnitude aftershock struck in the same region on Thursday, adding to the ongoing distress.