Colombia faces critical hours in earthquake rescue efforts

Colombian rescue teams are in a critical race against time to find survivors after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the country's west on Monday, killing at least 265 people. The crucial 72-hour window for rescuing individuals trapped beneath the rubble is set to close on Thursday. After this period, the likelihood of finding survivors alive decreases dramatically.

The government of the South American nation has pledged to bolster the ongoing rescue and recovery operations. International support is being mobilized, with specialized teams from the United States and three other unnamed countries en route to assist local efforts. The scale of the disaster is immense, with 496 people officially listed as missing.

Reports indicate the earthquake's epicenter was in the western part of the country. The city of Cali is among the areas heavily impacted. The focus remains on the desperate search for life amidst the widespread destruction, as the clock ticks down on the most critical period for potential survival. The government's commitment to reinforcing the operation underscores the urgency and the immense challenge faced by rescuers.