Rescuers in Colombia pulled a 32-year-old woman alive from the rubble of a collapsed building on Tuesday, sparking cheers and applause as exhausted crews raced to find more survivors from the country's strongest earthquake in a century.
Daniela Largo was carried from the wreckage wrapped in a blue blanket as rescuers embraced her and relatives shouted with joy. Her mother, Sandra Milena Perez, told reporters in Pereira that a local resident heard cries for help beneath the rubble and joined neighbors in removing debris before professional rescuers arrived. "Thanks to him, today we're happy," Perez said. "At home, her 12-year-old son is waiting for her."
A race against time
The 7.4-magnitude quake struck western Colombia on Monday, with the death toll revised down to 216 after local officials in Cali corrected earlier figures. Soldiers, firefighters, and volunteers continued to scour collapsed buildings across the region, using cranes, dogs, and heavy machinery while volunteers formed human chains to clear debris by hand.
In Pereira and Cali, emergency crews worked through the night, stopping every few minutes to call into the rubble and listen for any response. "We're doing this with our hands, with gloves," said volunteer Pablo Cesar Ruiz. "It's sad to see time slipping away."
The quake overwhelmed parts of the health system, turning the rescue effort into one of Colombia's largest disaster responses in years. In Cali, part of the Hospital Universitario del Valle collapsed, forcing doctors to move patients into a parking lot and treat some in the open air.
Survivors' stories
Beatriz Arcos, who was trapped with her husband and mother beneath their collapsed condominium, described the ordeal: "The house came down on top of us. I wasn't able to get out. It took about an hour to get us out." She was hospitalized after a concrete block fell on her back; her husband and mother were also injured.
For many families, the desperate search was becoming a vigil. "My aunt lived there. She's under the rubble," said Jorge Gonzalez, standing beside a collapsed building in Pereira. "I arrived yesterday and I haven't left, and until they find her body I don't intend to leave here."
Others were grappling with the loss of homes, possessions, and livelihoods. "We lost everything," said Stella Galvis, fighting back tears after escaping the collapse of her home. "We survived by a miracle, since I managed to get my little boy out and my partner managed to get out too."
Solidarity amid destruction
From the air, neighborhoods in Cali appeared flattened, with piles of grey rubble replacing entire blocks of homes and apartment buildings. Many survivors spent the night outdoors, either because their homes were damaged or because they feared aftershocks. One park in Pereira was transformed into a makeshift shelter with tents and mattresses.
"We lost everything, but we're alive," said 23-year-old John Tabasco, who was camped there with his wife and seven-month-old son. "We've never had to do this before, to depend on someone else to help us. It's amazing how life can change."
Jaime Alzate, 79, struggled to come to terms with losing a home built over decades: "You buy a little house with so much effort, spending 40, 50 years struggling to get yourself that house, you finally get it and in just a few days it all goes down the drain."
Yet amid the destruction, many Colombians mobilized to help. Thousands brought water, food, and supplies to affected neighborhoods, while long lines formed outside blood donation centers. "It's about wanting to help your community, your city and your country," said blood donor Ferney Cabrera.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and promised rent subsidies for affected families during a visit to Pereira. The United States announced $15.5 million (€13.4 million) in emergency aid, while messages of support arrived from around the world.
As the search continues, the focus remains on finding survivors. The deadliest quake in decades has left communities in shock, but the resilience of volunteers and rescuers offers a glimmer of hope. For now, the curfews imposed in Cali and Pereira remain in place as authorities work to prevent further casualties.
