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Final 72 Hours
Colombia’s earthquake rescue efforts entered what officials called the “final phase” on Wednesday as rescuers searched collapsed buildings for survivors before the critical first 72 hours came to an end.
“Colombia's earthquake rescue efforts entered what officials called the "final phase" on Wednesday”
The magnitude 7.4 quake has killed 265 people, injured more than 3,500, and left almost 500 missing, according to local authorities.
In Pereira, crews focused on a collapsed bakery where they believe a street vendor trapped since Monday’s earthquake may still be alive beneath the rubble.
Using equipment that detects vibrations, rescuers said they had picked up possible signs of life from Pablo Loaiza, prompting anxious relatives to gather outside the wreckage.
“We’re entering the final phase,” Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said Wednesday, adding that “That doesn’t mean there won’t be survivors afterwards, but it is more difficult.”
Voices at the Rubble
Relatives of the trapped man in Pereira described how the rescue teams asked him to knock twice, then three times from beneath the rubble, drawing applause from those gathered at the scene.
“They tell us it could be him,” said 16-year-old Sara Loaiza, his niece, as she watched for signs of life near the wreckage.
In Cali, volunteer rescuer Johana Sanchez told AFP that every half hour rescuers made everyone be quiet to listen for people alive, saying, “So far, three people have been pulled out alive and three dead.”
The search also continued through another night with bare hands, cranes and sniffer dogs, as emergency crews prepared to work a third night in Cali and Pereira.
“Every half hour we make everyone be quiet to see if we can find people alive,” volunteer rescuer Johana Sanchez told AFP.
Economic Emergency
Colombia’s newly installed president declared the disaster an “economic emergency” and announced three days of national mourning as rescue teams worked to find people still missing.
“The newly installed president has declared the disaster an "economic emergency"”
Abelardo de la Espriella said in a statement, vowing to “emerge again as a country and as a society,” while AFP reported that more than 11,000 dwellings have been destroyed and thousands of families rendered homeless.
In Cali and Pereira, residents and volunteers mobilized to help by bringing water, food and supplies to affected neighbourhoods while long lines formed outside blood donation centres.
The rescue window was framed as expiring Thursday morning, with the “final phase” tied to the first 72 hours after the quake.
“We will do what is necessary,” Abelardo de la Espriella said in a statement, vowing to “emerge again as a country and as a society”.
