Rescue teams race clock in Colombia as earthquake death toll nears 300
Around 290 people have died, with 140 more missing and nearly 4,000 more injured, according to official estimates. More than two-thirds of the deaths were concentrated in Cali and Pereira.
On the fifth day since a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, rescue teams were struggling against the clock as the death toll climbed towards 300, with 290 confirmed dead and 140 still missing. The quake, which hit just after 7:30 a.m. on Saturday near San Jose del Palmar, leveled apartment buildings and caused damage across the country, from the Pacific port of Buenaventura to the coffee-growing region and major western cities.
Cali, Colombia's third-largest city with over 2 million inhabitants, bore the brunt of the disaster, where only one site showed signs of life, according to Cali fire captain Alberto Hernandez. Rescue workers continued their grim task of recovering bodies, while others cleaned neighborhoods with brooms and shovels. Mayor Alejandro Eder vowed to keep working relentlessly, saying, "Even though the 72-hour mark has passed, we're going to keep working relentlessly and without rest, as if those 70 people (still missing) were still alive."
The disaster, one of Colombia's worst natural calamities, saw thousands of homes destroyed, leaving hundreds sleeping outdoors in makeshift shelters. The disaster management unit reported that over 2,000 aftershocks had occurred since the quake, adding to the dangers for rescue workers and volunteers. President Abelardo De La Espriella, a political newcomer, faced criticism over his handling of the initial hours, particularly for not accepting offers of rescue teams from certain countries.
However, he later received support from Israel and the United States. De La Espriella also sought to ease tensions with Washington by requesting a temporary suspension of tariffs on Colombian goods. On Saturday, De La Espriella spoke with President Donald Trump, who expressed condolences and requested the temporary suspension of tariffs to aid Colombian business owners.
"Today, more than ever, the alliance between Colombia and the United States is essential for the reconstruction of our beloved nation," De La Espriella said on X/Twitter.
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