Colombia has declared three days of national mourning following a devastating earthquake that struck the western part of the country, killing at least 216 people.
With a magnitude of 7.4, Monday’s earthquake is being described as the strongest to hit Colombia in a century. The government has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast at official buildings and Colombian embassies around the world in tribute to the victims.
Meanwhile, search-and-rescue teams continue to look for people trapped beneath the rubble. In Pereira and Cali, emergency crews are using cranes, trained rescue dogs and heavy machinery, while volunteers are removing debris by hand.
The first 72 hours after an earthquake are considered critical for finding survivors, with experts warning that the chances of rescuing people alive decline significantly after this period.
A moment of hope came on Tuesday when rescue teams pulled 32-year-old Daniela Largo alive from the rubble.
“We were losing hope, and then we received a phone call,” her mother, Sandra Milena Perez, said. According to her, a local resident heard calls for help beneath the debris and, together with neighbors, began clearing the rubble before professional rescuers arrived.
Aerial footage shows entire neighborhoods in Cali devastated, with rubble replacing blocks of homes. Numerous vehicles were buried beneath collapsed walls and concrete slabs.
The earthquake has also placed significant pressure on the healthcare system. In Cali, part of Hospital Universitario del Valle collapsed, forcing doctors to evacuate patients to the parking area and treat some of them outdoors.
Many residents spent the night outside, either because their homes had been damaged or because they feared further tremors. In Pereira, a park was turned into a makeshift shelter, with tents and mattresses provided for displaced residents.
“We lost everything, but we are alive,” said 23-year-old John Tabasco, who was staying there with his wife and their seven-month-old son.
Across the affected areas, thousands of people have donated water, food and essential supplies, while long lines have formed at blood donation centers.
EU Allocates €2.1 Million in Emergency Aid
Assistance has also arrived from Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union will provide €2.1 million to support the worst-affected areas.
The funds will be used for healthcare, water, hygiene and sanitation, as well as shelter, food, protection and financial assistance for affected families.
The EU has also activated its Civil Protection Mechanism, allowing member states to pool resources and provide assistance to Colombia.
Meanwhile, the German Red Cross has redirected €100,000 from an EU-funded project to meet the urgent needs of approximately 2,500 affected families in Chocó and Valle del Cauca.
