Amidst a gripping atmosphere filled with anticipation and tension, rescue workers in Colombia’s city of Cali urged absolute silence on Thursday as they meticulously searched for any signs of life beneath the wreckage from a devastating earthquake. The seismic event has tragically claimed the lives of at least 265 individuals, with many more still unaccounted for.
In a desperate bid to locate survivors, the search-and-rescue teams called for quiet, aiming to capture the faintest sound of life buried under the debris following the 7.4-magnitude tremor that struck on Monday. According to humanitarian organizations, the critical window for finding survivors is typically within the first 48 to 72 hours post-disaster, although this period can extend if those trapped have access to food and water.
“We may have two more survivors here, and I remain optimistic,” reported Daiana Rojas, a 25-year-old rescuer, in a conversation with The Associated Press. “We’ve been detecting sounds since 2:30 a.m., maintaining our hope.”
Rojas, whose family was fortunate to escape harm during the most intense quake Colombia has experienced this century, has volunteered her efforts to rescue those still trapped in Cali. This city has borne the brunt of the destruction alongside Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó.
Reflecting on the earthquake, Rojas shared, “I genuinely thought it was my last moment alive,” she admitted, her voice tinged with emotion. “This catastrophe unfolding in my hometown is utterly heartbreaking.”
The mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, told reporters Wednesday that rescue teams continue to find signs of life under the rubble and were racing to save anyone within reach. “The next 20 hours are the most critical to find and rescue people alive,” he said.
The devastation has tested Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, and his government as they scramble to respond while aid groups push to help the most heavily damaged communities.
De la Espriella said Wednesday that nearly 500 people were reported missing, though civilian-run databases put that number at more than 4,200. In total, more than 25,800 families have been affected, de la Espriella said.
Rojas has witnessed two people being pulled alive from the debris, as well as the recovery of bodies.
“They are not a relative or a friend of mine, but it feels as they were,” she said of the survivors who have been found. “Whenever rescuers ask for silence, everyone stays still and tries not to move, speak or whisper. But when signs of life are found, all the teams start to applaud.”
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Suarez reported from Bogota, Colombia. Batschke reported from Santiago, Chile.
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