Colombia faces critical hours in earthquake rescue as 72-hour window closes

Rescue teams in Colombia are in a race against time as the crucial 72-hour window to find survivors of a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake closes. The quake, which struck western Colombia on Monday, has claimed at least 265 lives and injured approximately 3,500 people. The official number of missing stands at 496, but families are searching for around 4,200 individuals, according to an unofficial database.

President Abelardo de la Espriella described the event as a "tragedy of great magnitude," with over 53,000 people affected, 140 buildings completely destroyed, and tens of thousands of homes damaged. To expedite reconstruction efforts, he announced an "economic state of emergency."

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This is undoubtedly a tragedy of great magnitude.

In response to criticism of the crisis management, the president appointed a new head for the disaster management agency (UNGRD). David Tamayo confirmed that search and rescue teams from the United States, Israel, Ecuador, and El Salvador will support local efforts, allowing exhausted first responders to rest.

Foreign Minister Omar Bula emphasized that humanitarian aid is welcome from all nations, regardless of political alignment. "We are working with other countries without ideological or political considerations and gratefully accept their help," he stated, noting that Mexico has also pledged aid. The earthquake occurred near San José del Palmar at a depth of about 103 kilometers, followed by numerous aftershocks.

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We are working with other countries without ideological or political considerations and gratefully accept their help.