Colombia faces critical hours after earthquake; survivor chances narrow

Colombia is grappling with the aftermath of a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the Pacific region, leaving a trail of devastation and a dwindling hope for survivors. The initial 72-hour window, crucial for rescue operations, has passed, with teams working relentlessly amidst collapsed structures. The earthquake's epicenter was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, occurring at a depth of 103 kilometers.

The national disaster management unit reports a grim toll: 281 confirmed deaths and 3,971 injuries. The quake also left 379 people missing, affected nearly 45,000 families, and destroyed over 10,000 homes, with thousands more damaged. In Cali, a major city in the Valle del Cauca department, the situation is particularly dire, with entire buildings cracked or completely destroyed. The city's traditional Calle Quinta presents a desolate scene.

Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali stated, "From the first moment, we have not stopped; we have deployed all our institutional strength to address the emergency and received the solidarity of the people of Cali." Rescue teams are employing specialized techniques, including periods of absolute silence, to detect any signs of life within the rubble. However, in many areas, the smell of decay indicates that survival is unlikely, and authorities are preparing for the removal of debris.

Martha Pérez, a 60-year-old resident of Cali, expressed the anguish of uncertainty: "They lived on the first floor, and we haven't been able to rescue them yet. It's very hard to see this. Not knowing, feeling so helpless."

Over a thousand soldiers have been deployed across Cali to support affected communities, with international aid also arriving. The focus now shifts from active rescue to clearing the debris in areas where survival is no longer considered possible, marking a transition in the emergency response.

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Vivían en el primer piso, y no las hemos podido todavía rescatar. Es muy duro ver esto. El no saber, el sentirse uno impotente