Rubble and hope in Colombia, digging continues without stopping while the death toll worsens

A tragedy which has hit Western cities in particular and which continues to worry the country’s inhabitants.

It gets worse with240 dead beyond 1,000 injured e 3,600 missing the toll of the terrible 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the western cities of Colombia on Monday, earning the sad record of the strongest earthquake recorded in the country in the last century.

Search operations

In this climate of frenetic research, one 32 year old woman she was pulled alive yesterday from the rubble of a collapsed building, while the search for the missing continues unabated.

Daniela Largo was taken out of the rubble wrapped in a blue blanket, among them applause from the rescuersyes the shouts of joy from the family. “We were losing hope, then we got a phone call,” Pereira’s mother, Sandra Milena Perez, told Pereira. A resident had heard calls for help coming from under the rubble and, together with neighbors, had started to remove the debris before the specialized teams arrived. “Thanks to him we are happy today. He is waiting for her at home his son 12 years old,” added the mother.

The work of rescuers

Soldiers, firefighters and volunteers continue to search for survivors in the collapsed buildings to Pereira and Cali, using cranes, search dogs and heavy machinery.

At several points volunteers trained human chains to remove bricks and pieces of concrete by hand. Operations are periodically interrupted to allow rescuers to listen to any voices or noises coming from the rubble. As night fell, numerous families prepared to sleep in the parks, while the aftershocks continue to affect severely damaged neighborhoods.

In Pereira some public spaces have been transformed into improvised shelters with curtains and mattresses.

The crisis of the healthcare system and the work of volunteers

The earthquake also put the healthcare system under great pressure. In Cali a part of‘University Hospital of the Valley collapsed, forcing doctors to move patients to a parking lot and to treat some outdoors.

Thousands of Colombians mobilized, bringing water, food and other goods to the affected areas, while long queues formed in front of shelters. blood donation.

The president Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and, during a visit to Pereira, promised rent subsidies to affected families. The United States announced 15.5 million dollars of emergency aid, while offers of assistance arrived from various countries. Meanwhile, rescue teams continue to dig in the hope of finding other people still alive under the rubble.

Three days of national mourning proclaimed

The Head of State has proclaimed three days of national mourning for the victims of the 7.4 magnitude earthquake which struck several areas of the country last Monday, causing almost 240 deathsaccording to what was reported by the regional authorities. “The national government, on behalf of the Colombian people, expresses its deep condolences for the death of those who lost their lives due to the earthquake and offers its condolences to the families and friends of the victims,” ​​reads a decree issued by the Presidency.

For this reason, starting today, for three days “the national flag will be hoisted at half-mast” on public buildings throughout the country and at Colombian diplomatic missions abroad, the decree adds. According to the document signed by de la Espriella, who assumed the presidency only five days ago, “the loss of human lives deeply saddens families and friends, as well as the national government”, which “expresses its solidarity in the face of such a tragedy”, events which “sadden the entire country”.