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72-hour window and quake toll
Colombia entered the crucial phase of the 'ventana de vida' after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, with rescue efforts focused on finding survivors in the first 72 hours.
“Colombia entra en la crucial fase de la 'ventana de vida' para rescatar personas tras el terremoto”
LaSexta said the epicenter was near San José del Palmar in Chocó and that the quake was felt as far as Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela, while the death toll and injuries continued to be updated as teams searched.
Aleteia reported that the magnitude 7.4 quake hit at 07:34 local time on Monday morning and that more than 2,500 people were unaccounted for as search and rescue teams worked against the clock.
Elplural said the latest tallies released by Colombian authorities and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs put the earthquake at 265 dead and about 3,500 injured, with 496 people missing.
In the same reporting, Elplural added that emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in hard-hit areas including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales, and that Colombia’s president Abelardo de la Espriella decreed three days of national mourning.
Spain confirmations and missing
Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed a Spanish citizen with dual nationality died in the earthquake, with José Manuel Albares conveying condolences and solidarity to the victim’s family and friends.
Estrella Digital said Albares also reported that the number of Spaniards not yet located had been reduced to 12, while the earthquake’s magnitude was 7.4 and rescue teams continued working among damaged buildings.
Elplural reported that Albares updated the localization system activated by consular services, saying that of 75 Spaniards whose whereabouts were still unknown, 12 remain unfound.
El Mundo said Albares confirmed the first Spaniard killed in the magnitude 7.4 earthquake and that the number of nationals unaccounted for had fallen from 75 to 12.
El Mundo also quoted Colombia’s president Abelardo de la Espriella at a press conference, saying, "We have 25,872 affected families, 53,816 people, unfortunately 265 deceased, 3,494 injured."
Aid, mourning, and international response
As Colombia kept searching after the first 72 hours, international aid and emergency funding moved alongside domestic measures, including a Spanish humanitarian package of one million euros and EU support for affected areas.
“anticipa necesidades "muy serias"”
Elplural said the Spanish government mobilized one million euros in emergency aid intended, among other needs, for shelters, water and sanitation, medicines and health care, while also noting that the work continues after the first 72 hours since the tremor.
LaSexta reported that the UN prepared emergency funds for Colombia and anticipated needs "muy serias," and that the pope sent a first help of 100,000 euros for Colombia.
Aleteia said Pope Leo XIV spoke at the end of the general audience of August 12, praying for "our Colombian sisters and brothers" and expressing gratitude for those working to help.
In parallel, LaSexta said the president of Colombia decreed three days of national mourning, and that the earthquake put the government of De la Espriella to the test hours after assuming power.
