Earthquake in Colombia: Race Against Time in Cali to Find Survivors

Rescue teams in Cali, Colombia, are in a race against time to find survivors after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake devastated the region. The epicenter was located in the municipality of San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, with the quake's depth estimated between 103 and 107 kilometers. Cities like Cali, Pereira, and Manizales are bearing the brunt of the disaster.

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There are strong indications that a person could still be alive under the collapsed structure.

In the Tequendama neighborhood of Cali, a frantic search is ongoing at the site of a collapsed bakery. Rescuers detected sounds around 1:00 p.m., intensifying efforts to locate a potential survivor believed to be trapped in a small void surrounded by debris. Firefighters, police, military, and volunteer groups, including specialized "topos" (mole rescuers), are collaborating. They are using cameras on probes and trained dogs to pinpoint the victim's exact location. Ambulances are on standby nearby, ready to provide immediate medical attention.

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The rescuers managed to perceive noises around 1:00 in the afternoon, which has accelerated the search maneuvers throughout the day.

The earthquake's impact extends beyond Cali, affecting at least five departments. The official death toll has tragically surpassed 265, with concerns growing over the more than 496 missing individuals. Many families have lost their entire property. In response to the widespread devastation, the Colombian president declared a national emergency. This measure aims to mobilize state resources for crisis response, direct assistance to those affected, and provide housing subsidies, with a focus on victims in Valle del Cauca and other impacted departments.

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The main hypothesis points to the trapped person being in a small vital space, surrounded by collapsed columns and refrigerators.

Logistical challenges persist, although ground access from Cali to Pereira has largely been restored, facilitating humanitarian aid by road. Air travel remains complicated, as several airports sustained damage. Authorities are still assessing runways, necessitating ground transport for aid to critical areas like Risaralda and Caldas. Amidst the ongoing rescue and recovery, citizens have shown remarkable solidarity, donating water, food, and essential tools to support the tireless rescue teams.

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Citizen solidarity has become the main driving force of the Cali community.