377 people still missing in Colombia earthquake

Kathmandu. Hopes are fading in Colombia’s search for survivors as rescue efforts drag on. Rescue teams have been intensifying search and search for the rubble, but in some places they have started removing the debris instead of search and rescue.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck at 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, destroying buildings, homes, schools and hospitals in parts of western Colombia.

At least 273 people have been killed and more than 3,800 injured, according to government figures. A total of 377 people are still missing. Rescue teams have started clearing the debris in most of the places in Kali, the biggest city after the capital.

However, search and rescue operations are still underway in nine locations, Mayor Alejandro Ader said. Rescuers have been asked to remain calm in the area to make it easier to find out if there are survivors in the rubble.

Volunteers, rescuers and security personnel have been searching for the rubble of the Torres del Limonar residential area in Cali. Special precaution has been adopted during the rescue operation as safety materials including gas cylinders have been taken out in some places.

Local restaurateurs and other volunteers provide food to about 1,000 people a day for rescue workers, health workers and volunteers. However, rescue and relief in rural and remote areas affected by the earthquake has become more challenging. Rescue teams have not been able to reach some affected settlements in Buenaventura, northwest of Cali, according to the International Rescue Agency.

It is reported that the armed groups have made it difficult to reach some settlements and in some places it has been difficult to distribute relief materials. Drinking water, gas and electricity have been disrupted in the affected areas.

More than 150 aftershocks have been recorded since the earthquake. This is making the rescue work difficult. The government estimated that more than 12,500 houses were damaged by the quake.