Search efforts in Colombia enter ‘final phase’ as quake toll reaches 265

Colombia earthquake: Search for thousands missing enters critical phase

Rescue efforts in Colombia following Monday’s devastating earthquake have entered what officials called the “final phase” as the death toll rose to 265, with more than 3,500 others wounded.

Rescue crews on Wednesday were fast approaching the 72-hour mark since the quake, the period during which survivors are considered most likely to be found alive beneath collapsed buildings.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake was the strongest to hit Colombia this century. Nearly 500 people remain missing, according to local authorities, and more than 9,550 homes have been destroyed.

Pereira, in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, and Cali, the country’s third-largest city, reported 83 and 74 deaths, respectively.

“We’re entering the final phase,” Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said on Wednesday. “That doesn’t mean there won’t be survivors afterwards, but it is more difficult.”

President Abelardo de La Espriella promised to establish an emergency fund to help rebuild hospitals, schools, homes and infrastructure destroyed by the earthquake.

“This is undoubtedly a tragedy of immense proportions,” said de La Espriella, who was inaugurated just three days before the quake struck. “Our efforts are focused on those who remain missing.”