Rescue efforts continue in Colombia after 7.4 magnitude earthquake

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday morning, resulting in at least 254 confirmed deaths and widespread structural destruction. The cities of Pereira and Cali recorded 101 and 95 fatalities respectively, while over 1,000 people have been reported injured. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), approximately 5,000 homes have sustained damage, with many buildings suffering total collapse. President Abelardo de la Espriella officially acknowledged 195 missing persons, though independent estimates suggest the number of missing could exceed 3,800.

In a notable rescue operation on Tuesday, a 31-year-old woman was pulled alive from a collapsed five-story building in Cali after being trapped for approximately 30 hours. Firefighter Santiago Sanchez described the 16-hour mission as highly complex, requiring rescuers to dig seven to eight meters deep into the rubble. The survivor is reported to be in stable condition. Efforts remain ongoing at the site, where at least 24 people are still believed to be trapped, with responders actively searching for signs of life. The situation remains critical as emergency teams continue to work under extreme conditions to locate further survivors.