{
  "id": 692966,
  "title": "After an earthquake, how long can trapped people survive?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/after-an-earthquake-how-long-can-trapped-people-survive-692966",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-12T19:42:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/20260813/after-an-earthquake-how-long-can-trapped-people-survive"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Trapped individuals in rubble following an earthquake's aftermath face numerous challenges in their survival prospects, according to experts. Weather conditions, access to water and air, and the extent of their injuries all play significant roles. Geophysicist Victor notes that victims who remain under a robust desk or in a debris-free pocket are more likely to endure until rescue arrives.\n\nIn the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck western Colombia, rescue teams are working against the clock to locate survivors. Most successful rescues take place within the first 24 hours following a disaster. However, the likelihood of survival diminishes with each passing day after the initial incident, experts emphasize.\n\nThe 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan serve as a stark reminder of the prolonged survival possible in certain circumstances. A teenager and his 80-year-old grandmother were discovered alive after nine days entombed within their collapsed residence. Similarly, a Haitian girl was rescued from the rubble in Port-au-Prince after enduring 15 days of confinement following the 2010 earthquake.\n\nWater and air are indispensable resources for trapped victims as time elapses. Maintaining a relatively injury-free environment while awaiting rescue increases the chances of survival, as geophysicist Victor underscores.",
  "summary": "NEW YORK — For those trapped in rubble after an earthquake, survival depends on many factors, including weather and access to water and air. If their injuries aren't too severe, victims can survive for a week or more, assuming the weather isn't too hot or cold, experts say. Two days after a powerful deadly earthquake struck western Colombia, rescue teams are racing against the clock to search for…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "After an earthquake, how long can trapped people survive?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/after-an-earthquake-how-long-can-trapped-people-survive",
        "published": "2026-08-12T14:53:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "After an earthquake, how long can trapped people survive?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/after-an-earthquake-how-long-can-trapped-people-survive-692712",
        "published": "2026-08-12T18:41:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "After an earthquake, how long can trapped people survive?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/after-an-earthquake-how-long-can-trapped-people-survive-693771",
        "published": "2026-08-12T19:52:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}