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Colombia Earthquake Rescue Enters Final Phase as Time Runs Out for Survivors
🇩🇰 Denmark /Disasters & Emergencies

Colombia Earthquake Rescue Enters Final Phase as Time Runs Out for Survivors

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Rescue operations in Colombia have entered their final phase following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the country on Monday.
  • The earthquake, the strongest in Colombia this century, has resulted in 265 deaths, over 3,500 injuries, and nearly 500 missing persons.
  • Authorities are racing against time to find survivors within the crucial 72-hour window, with thousands of homes destroyed and families displaced.

Rescue efforts in Colombia are now in their final phase as the country grapples with the aftermath of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake, the most powerful to hit the nation this century. The quake, which struck on Monday, has claimed 265 lives, injured over 3,500 people, and left nearly 500 missing. The urgency is palpable as rescue teams work against the clock, focusing on the critical first 72 hours post-disaster when the chances of finding survivors are highest.

We are entering the final phase.

— Alejandro EderThe mayor of Cali described the current stage of rescue operations.

In the affected cities of Cali and Pereira, rescue teams, aided by cranes and sniffer dogs, are preparing for a third night of operations. They pause periodically, not for rest, but to listen intently for any signs of life beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. "Every half hour, we ask everyone to be completely silent to see if we can find survivors," said volunteer rescuer Johana Sanchez, who reported that three people had been pulled out alive so far, alongside three deceased individuals.

This does not mean that there will be no survivors afterwards, but it will be more difficult.

— Alejandro EderThe mayor of Cali commented on the challenges of the final phase of rescue efforts.

Official figures indicate that over 11,000 homes have been destroyed, rendering thousands of families homeless. Many have spent multiple nights outdoors, either because their homes are uninhabitable or due to fear of aftershocks. In the mountain town of El Cairo, residents gathered at soup kitchens amidst ongoing power outages, hesitant to return to their damaged houses. "People don't want to go into their houses, people don't want to sleep, people don't know what to do," said resident Adriana Gonzalez.

Every half hour, we ask everyone to be completely silent to see if we can find survivors.

— Johana SanchezA volunteer rescuer described the meticulous process of searching for survivors.

Colombia's newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national state of emergency and announced three days of national mourning. "We will do what is necessary," he stated, vowing that Colombia would "rise again as a country and as a society."

People don't want to go into their houses, people don't want to sleep, people don't know what to do.

— Adriana GonzalezA resident described the fear and uncertainty gripping the town of El Cairo.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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