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Colombia earthquake: Search continues a week on, with 140 missing
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Colombia earthquake: Search continues a week on, with 140 missing

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia nearly a week ago, leaving at least 290 dead and over 140 missing.
  • Rescue efforts continue in the rubble of destroyed buildings, with operations shifting from rescue to recovery in badly hit cities like Cali and Pereira.
  • The earthquake, which caused widespread damage across western Colombia, presents the first major crisis for newly inaugurated President Abelardo De La Espriella.

Colombia is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck nearly a week ago, leaving a trail of destruction and a significant death toll. Rescue teams continue their relentless search through the rubble of collapsed buildings, a grim task that has largely transitioned from saving lives to recovering bodies.

Unfortunately, there are no signs of life. Miracles can happen, but honestly – as a believer and based on what we have seen – there is no indication that anyone is still alive.

— Alberto HernandezHead of the Cali fire department, describing the grim reality of the search and rescue operations.

Official estimates report around 290 fatalities, with over 140 people still missing and 4,200 injured. The cities of Cali and Pereira bore the brunt of the seismic event, with multi-story buildings, homes, churches, schools, and hospitals suffering severe damage or complete collapse. In Cali, the third-largest city, rescue workers navigate unstable debris, acknowledging the slim hope of finding survivors.

The work must be done very carefully and methodically... so as not to further endanger rescuers or community members who are helping at the scene.

— Alberto HernandezHead of the Cali fire department, explaining the cautious approach needed during rescue operations.

"Unfortunately, there are no signs of life. Miracles can happen, but honestly – as a believer and based on what we have seen – there is no indication that anyone is still alive," stated Alberto Hernandez, head of the Cali fire department. He emphasized the need for meticulous and cautious operations to protect both rescuers and community members assisting at the scene.

Horrible, it's overwhelming.

— Claudia GaleanoA 53-year-old resident who lost her home in Pereira, describing the impact of the earthquake.

The ongoing aftershocks pose a constant threat to rescue teams and residents unable to return to their damaged homes. Meanwhile, the nation mobilizes support, with Bogota establishing a large donation collection center and Pereira authorities caring for injured animals and distributing pet food. The earthquake marks a profound challenge for President Abelardo De La Espriella, who recently took office and now faces the immense task of overseeing relief and reconstruction efforts.

My father was taken from me by the earthquake, but there are people in worse situations than me, who are left on the street, without family, without anything.

— Claudia GaleanoA resident of Pereira reflecting on her loss and the plight of others after the earthquake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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