Bogota : The death toll from the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday has reached 265. The strongest earthquake in the country this century has caused widespread damage in many cities and villages in the coffee-growing region of western Colombia. According to the National Disaster Management Agency, at least 3,700 families have been left homeless. The government has declared three days of mourning in honor of the deceased. The national flag has been flown at half-mast at government offices and Colombian embassies abroad.
Officials said on Thursday that the rescue operation had reached the ‘final stage’. In the cities of Pereira and Cali, rescuers searched through the rubble overnight for survivors using heavy equipment, cranes and trained dogs. Local volunteers also formed human chains and removed debris by hand. Thirty-two-year-old Daniela Largo was rescued alive after 35 hours from beneath the rubble of a hotel in Pereira. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said the crucial first 72-hour window would reach its final stage on Thursday morning. After that, it would be difficult to rescue people alive, but hope has not completely disappeared.
Earthquake : 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia After the earthquake, houses and apartments collapsed in many areas of Cali. A park in Pereira has been turned into a temporary shelter with tents and mattresses. President Abelardo de la Espriela declared a state of emergency and announced rental assistance for affected families. The United States has announced $15.5 million in emergency aid. Meanwhile, people across Colombia have come forward in large numbers to deliver water, food and essential supplies to the affected areas, as well as to donate blood.