Colombia Quake Rescuers Fall Silent, Listening for Signs of Life in Rubble

In the southern Colombian city of Cali, the frantic search for survivors has taken on a quieter, more desperate tone. Rescue workers at the collapsed Capri building are now pausing their grueling work at regular intervals, raising their fists to signal for absolute silence. In these moments, the entire site holds its breath, listening for any sound — a knock, a cry, a faint breath — that could indicate someone is still alive beneath the concrete and dust.

The painstaking effort comes as the official death toll from Monday's powerful earthquake has risen to at least 265, according to President Abelardo de la Espriella. The president stated that nearly 500 people are still reported missing, though independent civilian databases suggest the number could be far higher, exceeding 4,100. More than 25,800 families have been affected by the disaster.

For volunteers like Daiana Rojas, the scene is deeply personal. She described the quake as a 'horrible thing,' adding that she believed it would be her last moment alive. Though her family is safe, she says seeing her city in ruins breaks her heart, which is why she has been at the site since 8:00 PM, helping in any way she can.

Aid agencies stress that the first 48 to 72 hours after a quake are critical for finding survivors alive, though that window can stretch if trapped individuals have access to air, food, and water. As that deadline approaches, the work of military personnel, professional rescuers, and civilian volunteers continues unabated, each moment of silence a small prayer for a sign of life.