Colombia earthquake kills 265, rescue teams search for 500 missing

Colombian rescuers are intensifying their search for survivors following a devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on Monday. As teams enter the fourth day of operations, the death toll has risen to at least 265, with over 3,500 people injured and nearly 500 still unaccounted for. This earthquake is the strongest to hit Colombia in over a century, prompting widespread concern and urgency in rescue efforts across the western part of the country.

The search operations have been particularly focused in the city of Pereira, where a collapsed bakery is believed to be the site of a possible survivor, street vendor Pablo Loaiza. Rescue teams, equipped with vibration sensors and sniffer dogs, have detected intermittent signs of life beneath the rubble. Family members, including Loaiza's 16-year-old niece, Sara, are anxiously waiting outside, hoping for any news. "My heart is about to burst out of my chest," she said, reflecting the tension and despair felt by many relatives.

In addition to the immediate search and rescue efforts, President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared an “economic emergency” and initiated three days of national mourning. Thousands of displaced residents are sleeping outdoors in makeshift shelters as communities come together to provide essential aid, including food, water, and blood donations for those most affected by the disaster. The government's declaration highlights the severe impact of the earthquake on local infrastructure and the urgent need for support.

As the search continues, there are growing concerns about the stability of the rubble and the emotional toll on families waiting for news. Rescue workers are employing cranes and hand tools, often pausing to listen for any signs of life. The situation remains critical, and the resilience of the Colombian people is being tested as they face the aftermath of this catastrophic event.