Dosquebradas struggles to recover after earthquake devastates city

Dosquebradas, a city near Pereira, Colombia, is grappling with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck two days ago. The main artery, Simón Bolívar Avenue, is choked with debris as authorities and residents work to clear the wreckage and assess the damage. The quake has claimed seven lives in the city of 250,000, with over 8,000 people displaced.

Among the devastation, one building that housed a motorcycle shop and an attached residence collapsed. A woman was rescued alive but remains in critical condition, while her brother perished. Nearby, neighbors posted signs urging "silence" during the desperate rescue efforts. Now, a different silence has fallen as rescue teams have moved to other locations, hoping to find more survivors.

Duviel Vidal Ocampo, owner of Ferreléctricos Todo en Uno, surveyed the ruins of his business, which was crushed by the adjacent collapsed building. "Total loss. Everything here, everything, is rubble," he told EFE, his voice thick with emotion. "We have to demolish the property." Vidal, who dedicated eight years to his store, is now facing an uncertain future, lamenting the loss of "years of dreams." He expressed frustration that no government officials have provided guidance on how to move forward after the tragedy.