Death Toll Rises to 265 After Colombia Earthquake, 500 Missing

The death toll from a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia has risen to 265. More than 3,500 people have been injured, while around 500 others remain missing, according to the country’s emergency management authorities.

Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday (August 12) that rescue teams are working around the clock to find people trapped beneath the rubble. Authorities consider the first 72 hours after the earthquake crucial for saving lives.

Heavy machinery, cranes and trained sniffer dogs are being used to search collapsed buildings. Thousands of local volunteers have also joined government rescue teams in the operation.

Emergency blood donation drives have been launched across the country to help treat thousands of injured people in hospitals. Large numbers of people have gathered outside hospitals to donate blood.

Meanwhile, thousands of residents whose homes were destroyed are spending the night outdoors in severe cold. Many are also afraid to return to damaged buildings because of continued aftershocks.