Colombia earthquake rescue continues as hundreds remain missing

Hopes of finding survivors from Colombia's devastating earthquake are diminishing as rescue operations transition to debris removal. On Thursday, search teams narrowed their focus, acknowledging the grim reality that the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors is closing.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck early Monday, toppling buildings and causing widespread damage across western Colombia, a region known for its coffee farms. Official figures released Thursday evening confirmed at least 281 fatalities and over 3,900 injuries. The number of people still reported missing stands at 379, leaving many families in agonizing suspense.

In Cali, the country's third-largest city, the focus has largely shifted from rescue to clearing the rubble. David Tamayo, head of Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, stated that while the likelihood of finding survivors is decreasing, the mission to locate all missing persons continues.

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Unfortunately, we are reaching a point where the likelihood of finding survivors is dwindling, but our mission is to keep searching and find all those people who are reported missing.

Personal tragedies underscore the disaster's impact. Enrique Marin recounted driving over 10 hours from Bogotá after learning his mother was trapped. She was rescued alive but died en route to the hospital. Marin managed to recover only a bicycle from the wreckage of his home. Meanwhile, in affected residential complexes, frantic efforts by volunteers continue, with coordinators emphasizing the limited time available.

Beyond the major cities, smaller towns and communities report struggling with minimal or no assistance from the Colombian government, highlighting a potential gap in the disaster response. Chefs in Cali have organized to provide around 1,000 meals daily to rescuers and volunteers, showcasing community solidarity amidst the devastation.

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My mother was rescued six hours after the earthquake. They pulled her out with vital signs, but she died on the way to the hospital.