On Monday, the earthquake that shook the western part of the country, with a magnitude of 7.4, was the strongest in Colombia in the past century. Many buildings collapsed due to powerful underground shocks, and more than 200 people died.
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The government announced that “in honor of all the deceased,” flags will be flown at half-mast on official buildings, as well as at Colombian embassies worldwide.
After officials in Cali adjusted previous data, the death toll from the earthquake was reduced to 216.
Meanwhile, rescuers continue the search for survivors.
In Pereira and Cali, rescue teams used cranes, dogs, and heavy machinery to search through building rubble, while volunteers formed human chains, removing debris by hand and hoping to reach people still trapped under collapsed structures.
The first two days are crucial for finding survivors under the rubble after an earthquake, although some experts mention a 72-hour period after which hopes quickly fade.
From a bird’s-eye view, some districts of Cali appear completely leveled – entire neighborhoods of houses and apartment blocks have been replaced by piles of gray rubble.
The earthquake paralyzed part of the healthcare system, and the rescue operation became one of the largest disaster response efforts in Colombia in many years.
Many survivors spent the night outdoors – either because their homes were damaged or out of fear of aftershocks.
One park in Pereira was turned into a temporary shelter with tents and mattresses.
“We lost everything, but we are alive,” said 23-year-old John Tabasco, who came to the park with his wife and seven-month-old son.
In Cali, part of the Hospital Universitario del Valle collapsed during the earthquake, forcing doctors to move patients to the parking lot and treat some of them outdoors.
Many Colombians gathered to help those affected.
Thousands of people brought water, food, and essential supplies to the affected areas, and long lines formed at blood donation centers.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, visiting Pereira on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency and promised rental subsidies for affected families.
The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency aid, and messages of support and offers of help are pouring in from around the world.
