Colombia earthquake search — Search and rescue teams in western Colombia are continuing their efforts nearly a week after a powerful earthquake struck the region, leaving hundreds dead and many more missing. The magnitude-7.5 quake hit San Jose del Palmar on Monday morning, causing widespread destruction from the Pacific port city of Buenaventura to the coffee-producing areas and major urban centers such as Cali and Pereira.

According to official estimates released on Sunday, the death toll has reached approximately 290, with more than 140 people still unaccounted for and nearly 4,200 injured. The majority of fatalities occurred in Cali and Pereira, where residential buildings, churches, schools, and hospitals suffered severe damage or were destroyed entirely.

In Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, emergency workers have been combing through unstable debris at sites like the Torres del Limonar residential complex in the Capri neighborhood. Captain Alberto Hernandez of the Cali fire department stated, “Unfortunately, there are no signs of life. Miracles can happen, but honestly – as a believer and based on what we have seen – there is no indication that anyone is still alive.” His comments reflect the grim reality as rescue operations increasingly shift toward recovering bodies rather than finding survivors.

Aftershocks have complicated the situation, posing additional risks to both rescue crews and residents who have not yet been able to return to their homes. Hernandez emphasized the need for careful and methodical work to avoid further endangering rescuers and community members assisting at the sites.

As the likelihood of finding more survivors diminishes, the focus has turned to expanding relief efforts. Aid operations are scaling up to provide support for the thousands left homeless or injured by the disaster, with local and international organizations coordinating to deliver food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter to affected communities.