Earthquake in Colombia: Rescued after 36 hours under the rubble

Colombian rescue teams are working against time as the critical 72-hour window for locating survivors after the powerful earthquake that struck the western region of the country begins to close. As of Wednesday, the death toll stands at 265, with nearly 3,500 injured and approximately 500 people still missing. The magnitude 7.4 quake, which occurred on Monday, was the deadliest in Colombia this century, shaking cities including Cali, the country’s third-largest city, and Pereira, known as the “coffee region.” Rescue efforts have intensified in these areas, focusing on collapsed structures where survivors might still be trapped. Rescue operations reached a pivotal stage on Wednesday morning, with officials acknowledging that the initial 72-hour period, considered the most critical for finding living survivors, is nearing its end. In Pereira, rescuers concentrated their efforts on a collapsed bakery, hoping to extract a street vendor believed to be trapped underneath. His niece, 16-year-old Sara Loaiza, expressed hope that he was still alive, describing the emotional tension as rescuers listened for potential signals of life using vibration-detecting devices. Nearby, family members gathered anxiously, awaiting word of whether their relative would be found alive. Across the affected regions, the scale of devastation is becoming clearer. More than 11,000 homes have been destroyed, displacing thousands of families. Many residents have spent multiple nights outdoors due to damage to their homes or fear of aftershocks. In the mountain town of El Cairo, residents gathered at community kitchens while power outages persisted, and many remained hesitant to return to their homes. “People don’t want to go inside their homes, people don’t want to sleep, people don’t know what to do,” said Adriana Gonzalez, a local resident. In Pereira, the situation has been particularly dire. The city’s infrastructure suffered extensive damage, with large portions of the population left without electricity. Residents in the Providencia neighborhood worked tirelessly to salvage personal belongings from ruined buildings, even as they faced uncertainty about the fate of loved ones. Lawyer Ana Paulina Crosthwaite, whose apartment complex was deemed unsafe, described the experience as traumatic. “We’re in a state of shock,” she said. “We’re not ready to tell our children that we have to take what we can and start a new life.” Efforts to locate survivors have included both professional rescue teams and volunteers. In Cali, emergency crews and volunteers worked through the night using cranes, dogs, and manual labor to clear debris. Some volunteers described the process as emotionally draining yet necessary. “We’re working together in the hope of saving a life,” said one volunteer, Javier Muñoz. Others helped distribute food, water, and blood donations, highlighting the widespread community response to the crisis. The government has declared three days of national mourning in honor of the victims, and President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared an “economic emergency” to facilitate relief efforts. He pledged to provide financial support to affected families and announced the creation of a fund dedicated to aiding earthquake victims. Additionally, the president visited the epicenter of the quake in the impoverished department of Choco, promising to assess the needs of affected communities and ensure resources are available for recovery. In the remote and rural areas of Choco, the challenges are compounded by poor infrastructure and limited access. Roads blocked by landslides and hospitals that have partially collapsed hinder relief efforts. Local activists have criticized the lack of governmental presence in the region, noting that many communities remain isolated and underserved. Despite these obstacles, international aid has begun to arrive, with the United States pledging $15.5 million in emergency assistance. Meanwhile, in Pereira, the discovery of a survivor after 36 hours trapped in the rubble offered a brief moment of hope. Daniela Largo, 32, was rescued from the ruins of a collapsed building and greeted by cheers from onlookers. Her mother credited a local resident who heard her calls for help and assisted in clearing the debris before professional rescuers arrived. “I thank him with all my heart because thanks to him today we are happy,” she said, adding that her son was waiting for her at home. As the search for survivors enters its final phase, the focus shifts toward recovery and rebuilding. The emotional toll on families and communities is immense, with many grappling with the loss of loved ones and the uncertainty of the future. For now, rescuers continue their efforts, driven by the belief that even after the 72-hour window, there may still be lives to save.