In the Colombian city of Cali, rescue workers pulled a dog alive from the debris of a collapsed building on Thursday, offering a rare moment of relief as the search for survivors entered its final hours. The animal, covered in dust but apparently unharmed, was handed to veterinary staff as teams continued to comb through the ruins.
The rescue came just as the 72-hour window—the period in which survival chances remain highest—was closing. Across the affected region, emergency crews have been working around the clock, often without heavy machinery, to reach people trapped beneath concrete and twisted metal.
A race against time
The earthquake, which struck earlier this week, has left a trail of destruction in several cities, including Pereira and Cali. In Pereira, rescuers have described the scene as a “horror” as they dig through collapsed homes and businesses. The death toll continues to rise, and thousands have been left homeless.
While the dog's rescue is a small victory, it underscores the desperate conditions faced by both humans and animals. Local authorities have urged international aid agencies to send specialized equipment and search dogs, as local resources are stretched thin.
“Every hour matters,” said one coordinator at the Cali command post. “We are doing everything we can, but we need more support.”
The quake has also raised concerns about building standards in the region, with many older structures unable to withstand the tremors. Engineers have begun assessing damage, but the priority remains locating survivors.
As the 72-hour mark passes, the focus will gradually shift from rescue to recovery. Yet, as Thursday's rescue showed, hope can persist even in the most dire circumstances.
For Europeans following the disaster, the images from Colombia are a stark reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness, a topic that has gained renewed attention in seismic-prone areas of the continent, such as southern Spain and Italy.
International solidarity has been swift, with offers of assistance coming from several countries, including Spain and Germany. The European Union has pledged emergency funding and is coordinating with Colombian authorities to channel aid effectively.
As the search continues, the world watches and hopes for more miracles like the one in Cali.
