Colombia Earthquake: Rescuers Search for Survivors 72 Hours After 7.4 Magnitude Tremor

Rescue teams in southern Cali, Colombia, are working tirelessly among the debris of collapsed buildings, nearing the 72-hour mark since a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the region. Four residential buildings have crumbled, and emergency personnel, including firefighters, Civil Protection staff, and Army members, are engaged in intensive operations at these sites.

At one location, authorities have cordoned off the area to ensure specialized teams can work without interruption. Rescuers are requesting silence from onlookers to detect any signs of life within the rubble. One rescuer explained the critical need to assess structural integrity before reaching potential victims, determining the necessity of debris removal or slab breaking for access.

Families of the missing remain at the rescue sites, anxiously awaiting news. The official toll from the earthquake stands at 265 fatalities, with over 3,400 people injured and approximately 496 reported missing across Colombia. The most affected areas include Cali, Risaralda, Caldas, and Chocó, the latter facing particularly difficult access.

Despite the grim situation, rescue teams maintain hope of finding survivors. Structures where searches have concluded without success are marked to inform incoming teams. A survivor shared his harrowing experience of escaping a collapsed bakery, describing it as a near-death moment. The community has mobilized, with volunteers aiding in debris removal and temporary camps established to support rescuers and affected families. Donations of essential items are also being provided.