- Hopes of finding survivors were dwindling as more bodies were pulled from buildings that collapsed due to the 7.4-magnitude quake that left hundreds dead or missing.
- The earthquake struck just after 7:30 a.m. in San Jose del Palmar, toppling buildings and damaging infrastructure from the Pacific port Buenaventura to Colombia’s coffee-growing region and major western cities.
- At least 294 people have died with 320 more missing and nearly 4,000 more injured, according to Colombia’s disaster management unit; over two-thirds of the deaths were concentrated in Cali and Pereira.
- Rescue efforts were shifting to body recovery, with Cali fire captain Alberto Hernandez noting only one site had signs of life and that they would likely finish recovering bodies by Sunday.
- Colombia has recorded 269 aftershocks since the quake, and the disaster management unit found thousands of homes destroyed, leaving hundreds sleeping outdoors.
- The disaster became the first major challenge for President Abelardo De La Espriella, who faced criticism for not accepting some rescue offers but later received teams from Israel and the United States; he spoke with President Donald Trump and requested a temporary suspension of tariffs on Colombian goods.
- Among the victims were Daniela Largo, 32, who died in hospital after surviving 36 hours under rubble, and Juan Felipe Giraldo, 24, found dead at a collapsed hotel; Giraldo had been set to marry on Sunday and leaves a 2-year-old son.
- Thousands gathered in Medellin and Bogota to donate food, clothing and medicine, while in Pereira hundreds slept in a makeshift shelter with shortages of blankets, tents, hygiene products and food.
Rescue efforts in Colombia are facing dire challenges following a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck San Jose del Palmar, resulting in 294 confirmed deaths and 320 individuals still missing. The quake, which occurred just after 7:30 a.m., caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings and damaging infrastructure from Buenaventura to major cities like Cali and Pereira.2341516
Cali fire captain Alberto Hernandez reported, “We have only one site where there are signs of life,” indicating that most operations have shifted to body recovery. Rescuers are expected to finish this phase by Sunday, after which heavy equipment will be deployed to clear debris.56
Among the victims, Daniela Largo survived 36 hours under rubble before succumbing in the hospital, while Juan Felipe Giraldo, who was set to marry soon, was found dead, leaving behind a young son. The emotional toll is compounded by the fact that over two-thirds of the deaths occurred in Cali and Pereira.1314
In response to the disaster, thousands have mobilized in cities like Medellin and Bogota to donate essential supplies. However, many survivors are now sleeping outdoors in makeshift shelters, facing shortages of blankets and food. Colombia has recorded 269 aftershocks since the quake, complicating rescue efforts.78
This disaster marks a significant test for President Abelardo De La Espriella, who took office just a week prior. He has faced criticism for his initial response but has since accepted international aid, including teams from Israel and the U.S. De La Espriella also spoke with President Donald Trump, who expressed condolences and discussed economic support for Colombia.9101112
“Rescue efforts are shifting to body recovery, with Cali fire captain Alberto Hernandez saying only one site shows signs of life and recovery expected to finish by Sunday. Colombia has recorded 269 aftershocks, and thousands of homes destroyed, leaving hundreds sleeping outdoors.”
The Globe and Mail
