Rescuer in Quibdó describes dire situation after magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia

Quibdó, a city heavily impacted by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake on August 10, is struggling to recover as residents search for survivors under debris. Volunteer rescuer Germán Ortiz described the harrowing experience of digging through rubble, emphasizing the constant fear from aftershocks and the critical need for external assistance.

Ortiz recounted the initial hours after the quake as a period of intense anxiety, with people desperately calling for help. "Seeing the desperation of people looking for their relatives, the anguish of hearing trapped people ask for help, and being there, with that desperation, trying to get them out quickly and without being able to. The truth is, it's very complex," he told EL TIEMPO.

He also highlighted that many areas of the city remain inaccessible to news coverage and aid due to public order concerns. While some routes are open for aid delivery, the assistance received so far has been insufficient. "The aid here has been very little; everything has been very slow," Ortiz stated, appealing for greater support for the affected population.