Colombia earthquake death toll rises above 200 as rescuers race to find survivors

Al Jazeera English

1,137 views • 8 hours ago 4 min read

Video Summary

In Cali, Colombia, a devastating earthquake has left buildings collapsed and rescue efforts underway, with volunteers forming human chains to clear rubble from structures like the Mirasol apartment building. Hope flickers as a man's voice is heard from beneath the debris, though those rescued so far have tragically died. The crisis extends to Cali's largest hospital, where patients are being evacuated due to structural damage, and families anxiously await news of loved ones. The health ministry reports 30% of medical centers are inoperable, exacerbating the dire situation.

As the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors closes, humanitarian aid organizations like Plan International are mobilizing. They are focused on providing immediate relief, including shelter, food, and safe drinking water, with a particular emphasis on protecting children who may have been separated from their families. The disaster has also crippled infrastructure, with six airports closed to commercial flights and 70 roads severely affected, complicating aid delivery and highlighting the immense challenge of reconstruction in the aftermath of this national emergency.

Short Highlights

Volunteers form human chains to clear rubble from collapsed buildings.
Families anxiously await news of loved ones trapped in a damaged hospital.
30% of medical centers are inoperable, complicating rescue and medical efforts.
Humanitarian aid organizations focus on immediate relief and protecting children.

Key Details

Rescue Efforts Amidst Rubble [0:00]

Volunteers in Cali, Colombia's third most populous city, formed human chains to remove rubble from collapsed buildings.
The Mirasol apartment building, a residential area, completely collapsed, with no survivors found alive yet.
Two individuals rescued from the Mirasol building died en route to the hospital.

"But they haven't given up hope of finding someone alive."

Glimmers of Hope and Desperate Search [0:34]

The voice of a man was heard from beneath the rubble, intensifying rescue efforts.
Rescuers worked to clear debris to reach the area where the voice was heard.
A doctor was rescued from another collapsed building an hour earlier, offering a beacon of hope.

"So that's what we're doing, getting rid of as much rubble as possible to reach an area inside what is still blocked."

Hospital Crisis and Family Anguish [0:57]

Families of patients at Cali's largest and oldest university hospital anxiously await news.
Juan Andres Sanchez fears for his wife, Julieta, and confirmed his 17-year-old son, recovering from surgery, is dead.
The morgue is also at risk of collapse, leading to the transfer of bodies.

"The social worker told me that his body was at the morgue, but I went and he's not there."

Widespread Medical Center Damage [1:31]

The health ministry estimates 30% of Cali's large and medium-sized medical centers are inoperable (code red).
Patients have been evacuated from damaged hospitals to other institutions struggling with demand.

"We have had to evacuate the patients from this hospital to other institutions that are struggling to cope with the demand."

Humanitarian Aid and Critical Window [2:00]

Angela Anzola de Toro, president of Plan International, describes the situation as dire.
The first 72 hours are crucial for saving lives, and the window of opportunity is closing rapidly.
High temperatures add to the challenges of rescue operations.

"The window of opportunity to find survivors is closing quickly."

Long-Term Impact and Child Protection [2:30]

Plan International is focused on saving children's lives and ensuring their safety.
At least 791 schools have been damaged, requiring safe spaces for children.
Aid efforts will include providing shelter, food, and safe drinking water for families.

"We are going to be working to provide shelter, to provide food to the families, to provide safe drinking water and everything that needs to be done for them to survive."

Infrastructure Collapse and International Aid [3:05]

Reaching cities like Pereira and Chocó is difficult due to damaged infrastructure.
Six airports are closed to commercial flights, used only for aid delivery.
70 roads are severely affected, compounded by Colombia's challenging geography.

"So it is hard and the geography of the Colombian country is quite challenging."

National Disaster Declaration and Reconstruction [3:35]

The Colombian government declared a national disaster and emergency, accepting international help.
Collaboration with other NGOs and organizations is underway to provide necessary aid.
The reconstruction effort is expected to be challenging and will require long-term support.

"So this is really wonderful. And we're working very hard with other NGOs and other organizations to bring the help that people are going to need, not only now in the first 72 hours, but in the months to come, because the reconstruction effort is also going to be quite challenging."