Final Rescue Hours in Colombia: Baby Pulled from Rubble and the Trapped Man Who Tapped 3 Times

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, leaving 265 dead, more than 3,500 injured, and nearly 500 missing. The 72-hour window for rescuing survivors is about to close. In Cali, a 3-month-old baby, Salomón, was rescued after his father Juan called for help; the mother remains trapped. In Pereira, rescuers are trying to reach Pablo Loaiza, who allegedly responded to three knocks. The new government has faced criticism for delays in receiving aid, and Israel approved a rescue delegation.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday left 265 dead, more than 3,500 injured, and nearly 500 missing. At noon today, the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors will close, and rescue teams in Cali and Pereira are working intensively, including using search dogs and cranes. In Cali, a 3-month-old baby, Salomón, was rescued after a passerby heard his father, Juan David Gómez, calling for help. The father was also rescued, but the mother, 29-year-old Valentina, remains trapped with her brother. In Pereira, they are trying to reach Pablo Loaiza, a bakery worker in a collapsed building, who allegedly responded to three knocks. The new government, led by Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office three days before the quake, has faced criticism for delays in accepting international aid, including turning away teams from Mexico. Israel approved a rescue delegation, and President de la Espriella is expected to open an embassy in Jerusalem.