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๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France /Disasters & Emergencies

Colombian earthquake survivor, rescued after 37 hours, dies

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Daniela Largo, a 32-year-old woman who survived 37 hours trapped under rubble after an earthquake in Colombia, has died.
  • Her rescue in Pereira had become a symbol of hope for the nation, which is still searching for hundreds of missing people.
  • The 7.4 magnitude earthquake, the strongest in Colombia this century, has caused at least 294 deaths and nearly 4,000 injuries.

Daniela Largo, the 32-year-old woman whose dramatic rescue after being trapped for nearly 37 hours beneath earthquake debris became a symbol of hope in Colombia, has died. Her family announced her passing on Friday evening.

Largo was extracted from the rubble in Pereira on a stretcher, to the cheers and applause of onlookers. The image of her rescue offered a glimmer of hope to a nation reeling from the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake, the most powerful to hit Colombia in a century. The disaster has claimed at least 294 lives and injured nearly 4,000 people.

Pereira and Cali were among the hardest-hit cities. Six days after the earthquake, rescue efforts continue in the most devastated areas. Amidst the ongoing tragedy, some rescuers offer comfort through embraces, while others organize collections for those displaced and now residing in shelters. Sandra Milena Pรฉrez, Largo's mother, expressed a wish for the ordeal to end quickly.

Largo's death leaves behind a 12-year-old son. The search continues for at least 320 people still reported missing following the seismic event.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.