US under Trump: South Korea wants to coordinate more closely with US

Colombia’s rescue operation following a powerful earthquake entered its final phase on Wednesday, with officials acknowledging the slim chances of finding additional survivors amid the growing death toll. The magnitude 7.4 quake, the strongest to strike the country in decades, struck near San Jose del Palmar in the northwestern Choco region early Monday, triggering widespread devastation across western Colombia. As of Wednesday, the official death toll stood at 265, with over 3,500 injuries reported and nearly 500 people listed as missing. However, an unofficial tracking platform indicated that more than 4,100 individuals remained unaccounted for, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the true scope of the tragedy. Rescue teams continued their efforts through the night, operating under the pressure of the 72-hour window considered crucial for locating survivors. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder stated that while the odds of finding more people alive were diminishing, crews had detected signs of life beneath the rubble and emphasized the importance of continuing the search. “Every minute is vital,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the mission. Volunteer rescuer Johana Sanchez described the painstaking process of searching for survivors in Cali, noting that three people had been rescued alive and three found dead. She detailed how teams paused every 30 minutes to listen for any indication of life, reflecting the meticulous nature of the work being conducted in the aftermath of the disaster. The quake left hundreds of buildings collapsed and thousands of homes damaged or destroyed. In Cali, families mourned their losses, with one father describing how his mother and infant daughter perished in the disaster. Another survivor, whose sister was recovering from serious injuries, expressed hope for her recovery despite the trauma of losing loved ones. Many displaced residents now reside in temporary shelters or outdoor spaces due to fears of aftershocks, with over 25,800 families affected overall. Choco, the quake’s epicenter, faces particular challenges due to its remote location and existing infrastructural weaknesses. The region, historically marked by conflict and poverty, saw its difficulties compounded by the earthquake. Communication disruptions have hindered assessments of the damage in areas accessible only by river, further complicating relief efforts. International aid is beginning to arrive, with the United States pledging over $15 million in emergency assistance and sending response teams. Mexico has dispatched military aircraft carrying nearly 20 tons of food and security personnel, while El Salvador offered two planes loaded with 100 tons of supplies. A Mexican search-and-rescue team, arriving directly from Venezuela, joined the efforts, bringing expertise from a nation recently impacted by significant seismic activity. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of national emergency shortly after taking office, signaling the gravity of the crisis. His administration has coordinated with international organizations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council and the United Nations, to address the immediate needs of the affected population. The government has also leveraged existing peace-building initiatives in the region to streamline disaster response efforts. As the search continues, the focus shifts toward long-term recovery and reconstruction. With over 140 buildings completely collapsed and tens of thousands of homes damaged, the challenge extends beyond immediate rescue operations. Ensuring adequate medical care, shelter, and basic necessities for the displaced remains a pressing concern. Meanwhile, the psychological impact on survivors and the broader community looms large, requiring sustained attention and resources. The earthquake has tested the resilience of Colombia’s institutions and highlighted the vulnerabilities of its most vulnerable populations. While the immediate response has shown coordination and determination, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. The coming weeks will determine whether the nation can rebuild not only its physical structures but also the trust and stability needed to recover from this unprecedented catastrophe.