Hopes of rescuing survivors from the rubble have dimmed nearly a week after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck Pereira, Colombia.
Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) updated the death toll of the earthquake on Sunday, noting that as of 07:30 of the day, the disaster had caused 289 deaths and 4,187 injuries.
At a refuge center, local resident Argelis Quintana recounted narrowly escaping a collapsing structure while trying to purchase traditional fritters.
"There were people buying things in the bakery where I was buying bunuelos. Thankfully, we were lucky enough to get out. We bought them and got out of the bakery (before it collapsed)," she said.
Rescue teams, comprising volunteers, police officers and heavy machinery donated by local businesses worked tirelessly through darkness to gain access to the debris. The community's unity was evident, with efforts coordinated to detect signs of life beneath the rubble. On Tuesday, hope appeared slightly brighter when faint sounds were believed to have emanated from within the ruins, prompting rescuers to pause and listen intently.
Throughout the week, rescue teams deployed specialized equipment, including a trained search dog deployed on Wednesday, to detect movements and sounds. Despite these efforts, no definitive evidence of survivors was found, only the faint vibrations and signals that suggested potential human presence.
"I teach the power of silence in my classes. To feel such massive collaboration, everyone coordinated toward the same goal, is very powerful," said Franco Victorino, a resident.
On Thursday, a drone was used to survey the area from above, aiding engineers and firefighters in their assessment. That night, a final exploratory operation was conducted, but authorities ultimately decided to halt rescue efforts. The decision was driven by structural instability and safety concerns, as the fractured columns threatened to cause further collapse.
Nicolas, a volunteer and friend of a missing person believed to be inside, said uncertainty has taken a deep emotional toll. Yet, he also expressed profound gratitude for the rescue efforts.
"I know it has been a very difficult trauma for everyone, including the firefighters, rescuers and us. I wanted to say, before the firefighters arrived, all the people around (offered help) without thinking twice, without protection, without gloves, without helmets and without absolutely anything," he said.
A 7.5-magnitude earthquake jolted Colombia at 07:34 Monday local time, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
The quake severely hit 32 cities across the nation.
Hopes of finding survivors fade nearly one week after deadly earthquake
