Colombia Announces Three-Day Mourning Period For Earthquake Victims

Colombia on Wednesday declared three days of national mourning for the victims of a powerful earthquake that devastated parts of the country's west and killed 216 people. Flags at half-staff will be flown at official buildings and Colombian embassies worldwide in memory of those who died.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on Monday and was described as the strongest to hit Colombia in a century. Rescue teams continued searching collapsed buildings in Pereira and Cali, using cranes, sniffer dogs and heavy machinery, while volunteers worked alongside emergency personnel to clear debris and look for survivors.

Authorities revised the death toll to 216 after officials in Cali corrected earlier figures. Rescue operations remained focused on reaching people who could still be trapped beneath the rubble, with the first 72 hours after a major earthquake considered particularly important for locating survivors. Rescuers pulled 32-year-old Daniela Largo alive from the debris in Pereira on Tuesday after residents reportedly heard cries for help.

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The earthquake severely damaged residential areas and overwhelmed parts of the healthcare system. A section of the Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali collapsed, forcing medical teams to move patients to a parking area and treat some people outdoors. Many residents spent nights outside because their homes were damaged or because they feared further tremors, while temporary shelters were established in public spaces.

The disaster also triggered a large public response, with residents supplying affected communities with food, water and other essentials. Blood donation centres saw long queues as people sought to help those injured. In Pereira, survivors gathered in makeshift shelters, with many families reporting extensive damage to their homes and belongings.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and announced rent subsidies for families affected by the disaster during a visit to Pereira. The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency assistance, while other countries also offered support. Rescue and relief operations continued as authorities assessed the full scale of the destruction and searched damaged areas for any remaining survivors.