Colombia enters ‘final phase’ of quake search as toll hits 265

This aerial view shows the University Hospital del Valle building which partially collapsed after the earthquake in Cali, Colombia Monday. Colombia’s government has declared three days of mourning for victims of the earthquake that demolished buildings in the west of the country, killing more than 200 people. (Photo: AFP) August 13, 2026 PEREIRA, Colombia (AFP) — Colombia’s earthquake rescue efforts entered what officials called the “final phase” on Wednesday, as rescuers searched for signs of life beneath collapsed buildings before the critical first 72 hours came to an end. The magnitude 7.4 quake, the strongest to hit Colombia this century, has killed 265 people, injured more than 3,500 and left almost 500 missing, according to local authorities. In Cali and Pereira, emergency crews prepared to work through a third night with their bare hands, cranes and sniffer dogs, stopping not to rest, but to listen for signs of life. Colombia’s newly installed president has declared the disaster an “economic emergency” and announced three days of national mourning. “We will do what is necessary,” president Abelardo de la Espriella said in a statement, vowing to “emerge again as a country and as a society”. According to official figures, more than 11,000 dwellings have been destroyed and thousands of families have been rendered homeless. Many have already spent consecutive nights outdoors, either because their homes were damaged or because they feared aftershocks. Many Colombians have mobilised to help, bringing water, food and supplies to affected neighbourhoods, while long lines formed outside blood donation centres. KINGSTON, Jamaica — Government Senator and attorney-at-law Christian Tavares-Finson has described as “grossly premature and disingenuous” Opposition L... Residents say repairs long overdue for Lucea’s problem-plagued Seaview Drive HANOVER, Jamaica — While the National Works Agency (NWA) has started drain-cleaning and patching works on the heavily trafficked Seaview Drive thoroug... The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has advised that a tropical depression will likely form as environmental con... Entertainment, Latest News For Sainty Connection, founder of the clothing brand of the same name, fashion is more than what people wear; it is a way of celebrating identity, cul... International News, Latest News BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AFP) — Colombia's president declared an economic emergency Wednesday and vowed the country would rebuild after a massive earthquake ... KINGSTON, Jamaica — Motorists should see a decrease at the pumps in the price of gasoline effective Thursday, August 13, according to the latest ex-re... LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) -- Former NBA Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook, the league's triple-double king, has "decided to step away" aft... ST JAMES, Jamaica – Two middle-aged women have been charged by police after allegedly using an ATM card to withdraw funds from a man’s account after h... Facebook Twitter Instagram Polls Recent Posts Archives