Colombia's rescue operations following the country's strongest earthquake this century have entered what officials describe as the "final phase" as the critical first 72 hours since the disaster approach their end on Wednesday, August 13, 2026.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake has resulted in 265 deaths, more than 3,500 injuries, and nearly 500 people reported missing, according to local authorities. Over 11,000 dwellings have been destroyed, leaving thousands of families homeless.

In the city of Pereira, rescue crews concentrated efforts on a collapsed bakery where they believe a street vendor, Pablo Loaiza, trapped since Monday's earthquake, may still be alive beneath the rubble. Using vibration-detecting equipment, rescuers reported possible signs of life, prompting anxious relatives to gather. Sixteen-year-old Sara Loaiza, Pablo's niece, said, "They tell us it could be him." Relatives also reported that the trapped man appeared to respond by knocking twice, then three times, drawing applause from those present.

Emergency teams in Cali and Pereira prepared to work through a third consecutive night using their hands, cranes, and sniffer dogs, pausing only to listen for signs of life. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder stated, "We're entering the final phase."

Blood donor Ferney Cabrera expressed the community spirit driving the response: "It's about wanting to help your community, your city and your country."

Colombia's newly installed president has declared the disaster an official emergency, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Sources