Search and rescue efforts in Colombia after Monday's devastating earthquake have entered their final stages, with the death toll rising to 265. More than 3,500 others have been injured, while nearly 500 people are still missing.
Rescue teams are approaching the critical 72-hour mark from the moment of the earthquake, a period during which the chances of finding survivors under the rubble are considered highest.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake was the most powerful to hit Colombia this century. According to authorities, more than 9,550 homes were destroyed.
The most affected cities are Pereira, in the heart of the coffee region, where 83 deaths have been reported, and Cali, the country's third largest city, with 74 deaths.
"We are entering the final phase. This does not mean that there will be no survivors afterwards, but it is more difficult," said the mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder.
In the affected areas, rescue teams, soldiers, firefighters and volunteers continue to work among the rubble. In the Torres del Limonar complex, south of Cali, residents have organized themselves into human chains to remove debris from collapsed buildings with buckets.
Emergency officials say the operations have become more organized after police limited the number of volunteers in search areas. This has reduced noise and vibrations, allowing sensors to more easily identify possible movement under the rubble.
Colombia's new president, Abelardo de La Espriella, has promised to create an emergency fund to rebuild hospitals, schools, housing and damaged infrastructure.
"It is undoubtedly a tragedy of extraordinary proportions. Our efforts are focused on those who remain missing," the president declared.
De La Espriella also declared an economic emergency to deal with the damage caused by the earthquake, without yet providing details on the concrete measures that will be taken.
The earthquake also represents an important political test for the newly elected president. Analyst Tiziano Breda, of ACLED, called the disaster the “first test” for De La Espriella, who came to power on a platform that promised to cut public spending and strengthen security.
One of the most controversial points of his program was the reduction of funds for the state risk management unit, which is already at the center of the giant disaster response operation.
