Rescuers in Colombia are working tirelessly to locate survivors of a massive earthquake that struck the country. Early Thursday efforts intensified as the crucial 72-hour time frame for finding survivors was running out. The 7.4 magnitude quake, the most powerful Colombia has experienced this century, has resulted in the deaths of 265 individuals, left approximately 3,500 injured, and nearly 500 missing. Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, shared these figures, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Additionally, civilian-run sources report an even higher count of missing people, exceeding 4,100. More than 26,000 families have been impacted by the quake, according to President de la Espriella. “Our efforts are focused on the disappeared,” he stated during a press briefing in Bogotá, the nation’s capital.
In cities like Cali and Pereira, emergency teams have been laboring continuously through a third night. Using only their hands, cranes, and sniffer dogs, they are pausing only to listen for signs of life. Thursday morning marked the end of the optimal period when survivors are most likely found alive beneath debris.
Martha Perez, a resident of Cali, expressed her sense of helplessness as she awaited news about two relatives believed to be trapped under the rubble. “We will hold on to hope until the very end,” she said. Volunteer rescuer Fernando Loaiza echoed the city’s dedication to the search, saying, “All of us here, the entire city of Cali, are hoping to find more survivors.” Cali’s Mayor Alejandro Eder described the situation as entering its “final phase.”
President de la Espriella has declared an “economic emergency” and announced three days of national mourning. “We will do what is necessary,” he affirmed, pledging to help the nation and society recover. Official reports state over 11,000 homes have been destroyed, and numerous families are now homeless.
An aerial view reveals the combined efforts of civilians and emergency personnel in Cali, combing through debris as they search for those missing after the earthquake.
In Pereira, attention is focused on a collapsed bakery where rescuers believe a street vendor might still be alive. Using equipment capable of detecting vibrations, they picked up possible signs of life from beneath the rubble. Anxious relatives, including 16-year-old Sara Loaiza, have gathered at the scene. “They tell us it could be him,” she said, as rescuers reported to hear knocks from the trapped individual, potentially indicating he is alive.
Rescue workers, like volunteer Johana Sanchez, described the situation: “Every half hour, we make everyone be quiet to see if we can find people alive. So far, three people have been pulled out alive and three others have not survived.” Many residents are sleeping outdoors due to damaged homes or the fear of aftershocks.
Significant damage is reported in Manizales, including the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. In Roldanillo, Yuliana Mendez, an employee of a beauty store, inspects wreckage left behind by the quake. “It’s like starting over from scratch,” she remarked.
In the Providence neighborhood in Pereira, residents salvage belongings from their damaged homes. Among them is lawyer Ana Paulina Crosthwaite, whose apartment is now uninhabitable. “We’re in a state of shock,” she said, describing the challenge of explaining the situation to her children.
The quake has spurred many Colombians into action, with individuals bringing essential supplies like water and food to affected areas. Long lines are visible at blood donation centers as well, with donors expressing a strong desire to assist. “It’s about wanting to help your community, your city, and your country,” said blood donor Ferney Cabrera.
International aid has begun arriving, with the United States pledging $15.5 million in emergency assistance and the European Union promising two million euros to support the relief efforts.