The 'Golden Window' Is Closing: Baby Rescued Alive, Woman Survived 35 Hours Under Rubble | The Race in Colombia
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 254 people, injuring about 2,595, and leaving nearly 200 missing. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors within the 72-hour 'golden window,' having pulled out a six-month-old baby, a 32-year-old woman who spent 35 hours under the rubble, and others. The new president declared a state of emergency and three days of national mourning.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday at 7:34 a.m., at a depth of 107 kilometers, with its epicenter about 5 kilometers east of the town of San José del Palmar in Chocó department. Colombia's Geological Service called it the strongest quake recorded in the country this century. The tremors were also felt in Panama, Ecuador, and Venezuela, with no serious damage in neighboring countries. The death toll has risen to at least 254, according to local authorities, with 101 deaths in Pereira and 95 in Cali. At least 2,595 people were injured, and nearly 200 are listed as missing. The hardest hit were Cali, Pereira, and Manizales, where homes, schools, and medical centers collapsed. According to The New York Times, nearly 5,000 homes were damaged and 387 destroyed, along with damage to 18 medical centers and 52 schools. Rescue teams continue to operate within the 72-hour 'golden window.' In Pereira, Daniela Andrea Largo Sánchez, 32, was rescued after more than 35 hours under the rubble. In Cali, Carlos Rebolledo, 35, was rescued after a search dog located him. Also, Diana Tróchez, 31, was rescued after a 16-hour operation. A six-month-old baby and her mother were pulled from the rubble of a five-story building. The new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office 63 hours before the quake, declared a state of emergency, canceled his travel plans, and said he would personally lead the disaster response. He declared three days of national mourning. The government deployed more than a thousand soldiers and security personnel, and imposed a curfew in Cali, Armenia, and Manizales following reports of looting attempts. Colombia has begun receiving international aid: the European Union allocated two million euros, Spain one million euros, and the Vatican 100,000 euros.