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Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises as Frantic Search for Survivors Continues

From CBS News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Ongoing story
  • The death toll from a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in western Colombia has risen to at least 265, with nearly 500 people reported missing.
  • Rescue efforts are intensifying in the hardest-hit cities as the crucial 48- to 72-hour window for finding survivors narrows.
  • International aid is arriving as the government, led by President Abelardo de la Espriella, scrambles to respond to the widespread devastation impacting over 25,800 families.

Frantic searches for survivors continue in Colombia following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country's west. As of Wednesday evening, President Abelardo de la Espriella reported at least 265 fatalities and nearly 500 individuals missing. However, civilian-run databases suggest the number of missing could be over 4,100, highlighting the scale of the disaster that has impacted more than 25,800 families.

Our efforts are focused on the disappeared.

— Abelardo de la EspriellaPresident of Colombia, addressing the nation's priorities in the earthquake's aftermath.

Rescue teams are meticulously sifting through rubble in the hardest-hit cities, including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo. The race against time is critical, as aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours post-disaster to be paramount for retrieving survivors. Despite the dwindling window, there are still signs of life, with Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali stating that rescue teams continue to find people alive under the debris.

Moments of hope have emerged amidst the tragedy. Social media captured the rescue of a baby from collapsed building in Cali, and in Pereira, a 32-year-old woman, Daniela Largo, was pulled alive from the rubble after a 12-hour complex rescue operation. Volunteers described the emotional release as akin to a "football moment." However, these triumphs are juxtaposed with mourning, as lifeless bodies are also being recovered from the debris.

The next 20 hours are the most critical to find and rescue people alive. Every minute is vital.

— Alejandro EderMayor of Cali, emphasizing the urgency of ongoing rescue operations.

The disaster has placed a significant test on President de la Espriella's new government, which is working to coordinate response efforts and manage the influx of aid from regional partners. The focus remains on locating the missing, with the president emphasizing that all government capacities and international assistance are being directed towards this critical task. The urgency is palpable, with every minute deemed vital in the ongoing search for life.

It was kind of like a football moment, when everyone is like shaking hands, like, 'Yes, yes!'

— Craig De MeillonA search-and-rescue volunteer from Miami, describing the emotional impact of freeing a survivor.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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