Colombia hopes for miracles as search for quake victims goes on

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has been touring earthquake-ravaged cities in the wake of the 7.4-magnitude tremor that struck, leaving devastation in its wake. The strongest quake in Colombia this century has claimed at least 287 lives, injured thousands, and left hundreds missing. Rescue efforts have continued despite the grim reality that the 72-hour window for finding survivors has passed.

Despite the grim outlook, de la Espriella has declared an economic emergency and vowed to provide rent subsidies to those who have lost their homes. He has also visited the impoverished Choco region, expressing a desire to replicate the Marshall Plan's success in post-war Europe to aid the affected areas. The World Bank has pledged $200 million to the disaster response, while the US State Department has contributed $11 million, in addition to the $15.5 million already committed.

Colombia has also accepted aid from right-wing governments in El Salvador, Ecuador, and Israel, while declining assistance from leftist-led Mexico, though this decision is not attributed to ideological differences. The morgue in Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, has been damaged, forcing authorities to transport bodies to Palmira.

Families have set up makeshift camps in public spaces, with some children fainting due to nerves. Despite the tragedy, volunteers and rescue teams remain undeterred, forming human chains to deliver aid and offering words of solidarity to those affected.