Colombia quake buries hope as toll nears 300

Bogota, Colombia - As the death toll from the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia nears 300, the prospects of finding survivors diminish, according to officials. The quake, which hit just after 7:30 a.m. in San Jose del Palmar, caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings and damaging infrastructure from the Pacific port of Buenaventura to the coffee-growing region and major western cities.

At least 294 people have died, with an additional 320 missing, and over 4,000 more injured, reported Colombia's disaster management unit. Over two-thirds of the fatalities were concentrated in Cali and Pereira, the country's two largest cities in the affected region. Cali, with nearly 2 million inhabitants, remains the primary location for ongoing rescue efforts.

Rescue workers continue their search through shattered concrete, bricks, and metal, with hopes of finding those still unaccounted for. By Sunday, they anticipate completing body recoveries, after which heavy machinery will be deployed to clear the debris. Meanwhile, citizens have begun a focused effort on recovery and rebuilding, mourning the loss of national icons like 32-year-old Daniela Largo, who died after surviving 36 hours under rubble, and 24-year-old Juan Felipe Giraldo, who was found dead following a rescue operation at a collapsed hotel.

The disaster has become the first major test for President Abelardo De La Espriella, a political newcomer who assumed office a week ago. He has faced criticism for his initial handling of the response, notably for not accepting rescue teams from certain nations. De La Espriella's recent victory on a platform of austerity and security has led to a closer relationship with the United States, resulting in a request for a temporary suspension of tariffs on Colombian goods to aid business owners.

President De La Espriella expressed gratitude during a phone call with President Donald Trump, who conveyed condolences and offered U.S. support.