Pereira grapples with search for missing after earthquake

Pereira, a city in Colombia's coffee region, is living through a period of intense anxiety and a desperate search for the missing following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake. One day after the tremor, the city is mobilizing rescue efforts while grappling with the tragic reality of the disaster.

The immediate aftermath of the earthquake has been compounded by communication breakdowns, fuel shortages, and power outages. Despite these challenges, a large-scale operation is underway to rescue individuals trapped under the rubble and recover bodies. The human toll is mounting, with regional authorities reporting approximately 90 deaths in the Risaralda department alone.

Amidst the chaos, personal tragedies unfold. Maribel Verano Ramírez is desperately searching for her mother and younger sister, who were in their hotel when it collapsed. Showing photos and reciting her phone number, she pleads for any information, unsure if they are alive or where they might be. Her mother, who uses a cane, and her sister, who is a wheelchair user, were last seen eight days prior.

Verano also appeals to authorities not to forget the Esperanza Galicia neighborhood, where many homes were damaged. While many are focused on rescue efforts, some businesses are already attempting to reopen. Shop owners face the daunting task of cleaning up debris and broken glass to resume operations, with some driven by the need to provide essential services in the wake of the earthquake's devastation.