Rescuers in Colombia are racing against time to find survivors after a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the country on Monday CALI, Colombia -- With arms raised and fists clenched, rescuers in Colombia called for silence Thursday as they listened for signs of life in the rubble left by a deadly earthquake that has killed at least 265 people and left hundreds more missing. The call for quiet was part of last-ditch efforts by search-and-rescue teams to find survivors in the aftermath of the 7.4-magnitude quake that struck the South American country Monday. Aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a quake to be the prime window for retrieving survivors.
But that time frame can be extended if those trapped have access to food and water. She has been working as a volunteer to help search for survivors in Cali, one of the most affected cities, along with Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó. 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.
But when signs of life are found, all the teams start to applaud." Suarez reported from Bogota, Colombia. Batschke reported from Santiago, Chile. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events
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