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Colombia intensifies search for earthquake survivors as time runs out
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Disasters & Emergencies

Colombia intensifies search for earthquake survivors as time runs out

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Colombian authorities are intensifying the search for hundreds missing after a powerful earthquake on Monday, but hopes of finding survivors are diminishing.
  • The earthquake has caused 281 deaths and over 3,900 injuries, with 379 people still unaccounted for under the rubble.
  • Over 10,000 homes were destroyed, leaving many families homeless and seeking assistance, while solidarity efforts provide aid and emotional support amidst the ongoing tragedy.

Colombian authorities are escalating their search efforts for hundreds of people missing after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country's west on Monday. However, as the critical rescue phase passes, the chances of finding survivors are rapidly fading.

But the directive is not to stop searching... not to rest until we report finding these people, hopefully alive, or recover their bodies if they are within the rubble.

— David TamayoThe director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management acknowledged the diminishing chances of finding survivors but affirmed the commitment to continue the search.

The death toll has risen to 281, with more than 3,900 injured. Authorities report 379 people are still missing, buried under debris. David Tamayo, director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), acknowledged the decreasing probability of finding survivors but stressed the commitment to continue searching. "But the directive is not to stop searching... not to rest until we report finding these people, hopefully alive, or recover their bodies if they are within the rubble," he stated.

The earthquake devastated over 10,000 homes, leaving entire families displaced and living in makeshift camps in public spaces like parks and streets. María del Carmen Rodríguez, a 72-year-old resident of Cali, one of the hardest-hit cities, lost her apartment and now spends nights with her husband in a football field. "We wonder what aid we are entitled to, if they are going to relocate us elsewhere, because this will take a long time," she said.

We wonder what aid we are entitled to, if they are going to relocate us elsewhere, because this will take a long time.

— María del Carmen RodríguezA displaced resident expressed uncertainty about future assistance and relocation after losing her home.

While the initial 72-hour window for finding survivors has passed, volunteers and expert rescuers continue to search tirelessly. The smell of decomposition is reportedly present in the most affected areas. The coffee-growing region is also heavily impacted. In Pereira, a firefighter observed volunteers listening for sounds under the rubble. "I'm not going to take away their emotion or fervor because miracles do exist, but at this point, it is unlikely to find people alive," a rescuer commented.

I'm not going to take away their emotion or fervor because miracles do exist, but at this point, it is unlikely to find people alive.

— RescuerA rescuer commented on the slim possibility of finding survivors as the search continues in affected areas.

Amidst the devastation, solidarity has provided crucial support. Thousands are bringing water, food, and medicine to affected neighborhoods. Emotional support is also being offered, with one musician, Andrés Solomón, stating, "We are going through a collective trauma, and I think the best way I could also help was by giving away the energy I have and the vitality that remains in me."

We are going through a collective trauma, and I think the best way I could also help was by giving away the energy I have and the vitality that remains in me.

— Andrés SolomónA local musician described his motivation for helping in the relief efforts amidst the collective trauma.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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