Colombia Earthquake Rescue Efforts Enter Final Phase as Death Toll Reaches 265

Rescue operations in Colombia have entered their “final phase” following Monday’s devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake, as the death toll rose to 265, with more than 3,500 people injured and nearly 500 still missing.

Authorities said rescue teams were approaching the critical 72-hour period after the earthquake, when the chances of finding survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings are generally considered highest. Despite the difficult conditions, rescuers continued searching through the rubble using cranes, sniffer dogs, vibration-detection equipment and, in some areas, their bare hands.

The earthquake, described as the strongest to hit Colombia this century, destroyed more than 9,550 homes and caused extensive damage to hospitals, schools and other infrastructure.

The hardest-hit cities include Pereira, where 83 people have died, and Cali, where 74 deaths have been reported.

Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said the operation was entering its final stage, while stressing that survivors could still be found after the 72-hour period.

In Pereira, rescuers continued searching a collapsed bakery where they believed a street vendor, Pablo Loaiza, could still be alive beneath the rubble. Rescue equipment reportedly detected possible signs of life, prompting relatives to gather anxiously at the scene.

In Cali, volunteers and emergency workers formed human chains to remove debris, while authorities restricted the number of people at rescue sites to reduce noise and vibrations and improve the ability of sensors to detect survivors.

President Abelardo de La Espriella, who took office only three days before the earthquake, visited affected areas and pledged to establish an emergency fund to rebuild destroyed hospitals, schools, homes and infrastructure.

He also declared an economic emergency over the devastation caused by the earthquake, although details of the measures were not immediately announced.

Across the affected regions, Colombians have mobilised to support victims by donating water, food and other supplies. Long queues have also formed at blood donation centres.

The disaster represents an early major test for President de La Espriella's new administration, particularly because his campaign had focused on reducing public spending, including proposals affecting the country's disaster-risk management system, which is now playing a central role in the emergency response.

Authorities continue to urge rescue teams to focus on locating those still missing as hopes remain for finding survivors beneath the ruins.

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