Colombia Earthquake: Rescue Teams Scramble as Thousands Remain Missing
Rescuers search rubble in western Colombia after a 7.4 earthquake killed 181 and left thousands missing, testing the new president.
Rescue crews and volunteers in western Colombia are racing against time, sifting through collapsed buildings by hand in the hope of finding survivors. The effort follows a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on Monday, leaving a trail of destruction across several cities and towns.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has confirmed at least 181 fatalities, with around 2,595 people injured. While official figures put the number of missing at 195, civilian-run databases suggest the true figure could be as high as 3,900, raising fears of a far greater toll.
The quake, described as the largest recorded in Colombia in the 21st century, has devastated urban centers including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó. Authorities have confirmed that 1,136 homes were destroyed, with many more damaged. However, there is deep concern for rural communities, where communication is sparse and the extent of the damage remains unknown.
In Bogotá, the capital, relief efforts are underway. The Colombian Red Cross has set up collection centers where volunteers are sorting and packing essential supplies. Donations Coordinator Alejandra Andrade noted that they are prioritizing new items for habitat kits, such as mats, mosquito nets, pillows, and sheets, alongside water and non-perishable food.
This disaster represents the first major test for President de la Espriella, who was recently inaugurated. He has declared a national emergency to expedite the allocation of resources to the affected zones.
Aid agencies stress that the first 48 to 72 hours are critical for finding people alive, though survival chances can extend if victims have access to air, food, or water. With that window closing, soldiers and civilians are working side-by-side, passing heavy concrete debris along human chains in a desperate search for the missing.
Luz Nelly Cuervo, a donor in Bogotá, captured the national mood: "At this moment, Colombia really needs it. Our Colombian brothers need it."