Magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Indonesia: at least 47 dead and collapsed buildings

A dramatic rescue unfolded in Cali, Colombia, after a powerful earthquake struck the country on August 10, leaving hundreds dead and thousands injured. Police officers, lacking specialized equipment or external rescue teams, were the first responders to a collapsed building in the Capri neighborhood, south of the city. Among those trapped was a woman who pleaded with rescuers, saying, “Córteme la pierna,” meaning “Cut my leg,” as she begged them to free her from the rubble. Subintendente Sebastián Daza and his team arrived at the scene shortly after the quake, which had occurred around 7:34 a.m. local time. They were initially on patrol near the carrera 66 when they received word of the collapse. Daza recounted how he quickly led a group into the five-story building, where they found the woman trapped under debris including heavy concrete slabs, steel bars, and parts of the roof. With no tools available, the police worked manually to clear the wreckage, using their hands to lift blocks and remove obstacles. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was conscious but severely injured. Daza described how they carefully removed each piece of debris that held her captive, while maintaining her consciousness and offering encouragement. At one point, she reportedly asked to have her leg amputated to escape the rubble. After several hours of effort, the team successfully freed her around 8:48 a.m., just over an hour after arriving at the site. She was taken to a medical facility due to multiple injuries sustained during the collapse. The rescue did not end there. While clearing the rubble, the officers discovered that the woman was not alone, her dog was also trapped beneath the debris. Daza explained that they could see the dog’s face struggling to breathe amid the dust and rubble. With the help of nearby residents, the team managed to free the dog as well. The animal survived and was later handed over to a family member of the woman, who arrived at the scene visibly emotional, crying and shouting. This incident highlights the challenges faced by first responders in the wake of the earthquake. According to the latest update from the National Risk Management Unit (UNGRD), the disaster has left at least 273 confirmed deaths and 3,824 injured, with 377 missing persons. Over 12,584 homes have been destroyed, and more than 40,753 families have been affected. In Cali, the neighborhoods of Comuna 17 and 19 were among the hardest-hit areas, with many buildings damaged or completely collapsed. Efforts to locate survivors continue, though the window for finding living victims is narrowing. More than 1,000 soldiers from the Third Army Corps have been deployed in over 40 locations in Cali to assist with search and recovery operations. International aid has also begun to arrive, including a Mexican rescue team known as "Los Topos Azulejos," which joined the efforts following a mission in Venezuela. These teams use advanced equipment such as electromagnetic and acoustic sensors to detect signs of life beneath the rubble. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire. The government has declared three days of national mourning in honor of the deceased, raising the flag at half-mast in public buildings and diplomatic missions abroad. Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, sending condolences to the families of the victims and thanking those working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. The earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, originated in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, and caused widespread destruction across the western part of the country. Reports indicate that the death toll has fluctuated, with some sources citing as few as 132 fatalities and others reporting over 200. The number of injured and missing continues to rise, underscoring the immense scale of the disaster.