Around-the-clock rescue efforts are underway in Pereira in western Colombia, as the critical 72-hour rescue window to find trapped survivors nears its close following Monday's devastating earthquake.
The 7.5-magnitude quake jolted cities across Colombia's western region at 07:34 local time on Monday, completely destroying the eight-story Dibeni Hotel in Pereira.
Rescue workers said that 13 people were in the landmark hotel when the earthquake struck.
Eight bodies have been recovered from the rubble so far.
The search is being hampered by the sheer complexity of the debris, with concrete and steel reinforcement knotted in an impenetrable maze.
"We are forming human chains to clear the rubble as quickly as possible. The more people we have, the faster we can move the debris -- and the sooner we can reach those trapped beneath. We believe there are still people alive under the ruins. We won't lose hope until the very end. That's why we're willing to work through the night, around the clock. No matter how long it takes, if we can fulfill our mission, it will all be worth it," said Paula Campos, a rescue volunteer.
Many local residents have come to bring water and food to the rescue teams.
While some parts of Pereira still lack running water and electricity, the community continues to stand together in solidarity.
The latest official data on Thursday showed that the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 273, with 3,824 people injured and 377 still missing.
Rescue efforts intensify after Colombia quake
Rescue efforts intensify after Colombia quake
