A 32-year-old woman was pulled alive from the rubble in Colombia, 36 hours after a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country. Daniela Largo was rescued from beneath a collapsed building in the city of Pereira after a 10-hour-long rescue operation. Firefighters dug a tunnel to reach her, navigating through four heavy concrete slabs that blocked the way.
The quake has claimed at least 265 lives, with 496 people still missing, according to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. In Pereira, 79 people have been confirmed dead, and 92 buildings have collapsed. Largo’s rescue was made possible after a local resident heard her crying out for help, and emergency workers used a small camera to locate her.
Colombia Earthquake Aftermath
The disaster has left thousands affected, with many still trapped under debris. In Cali, Colombia’s third most populous city, over 200 people remain trapped, and 95 have been confirmed dead. The city’s mayor has declared a night-time curfew to ensure rescue work can be carried out safely.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 87 people rescued in Cali so far. The earthquake struck at 07:34 local time on Monday, with its epicentre near the village of San José del Palmar. Seismometers registered shaking lasting between 90 seconds and two minutes, with over 100 aftershocks reported since.
Recovery and Relief Efforts
The Colombian government and emergency services are working tirelessly to rescue those trapped and provide aid to affected areas. The rescue of Daniela Largo has brought hope to the community, with President de la Espriella celebrating the news on social media. As the country begins to recover from the disaster, the focus will be on providing support to those affected and rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
The earthquake has highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and response, and the need for international cooperation in times of crisis. As Colombia begins the long process of recovery, the world watches with a mix of sadness and solidarity, remembering that natural disasters can strike anywhere, and that the resilience of communities is often the greatest factor in overcoming adversity.
