The horrific earthquake in Colombia exceeds two hundred deaths

The death toll from Colombia's worst earthquake has risen to 216, with many more missing. The 7.4-magnitude earthquake, which struck western Colombia on Monday, is considered the strongest earthquake recorded in the country in a century.

Although authorities state the number of missing is 195, civil organizations indicate that the figure could be close to 4,000.

On Tuesday, rescue workers successfully freed Daniela Lago, a 32-year-old woman trapped under a collapsed building in Pereira. The crowd cheered as she was brought out wrapped in a blue blanket. A local resident first heard her cries and alerted rescue workers. Her mother, Sandra Milena Perez, stated that she had given up hope when she heard the news of her rescue, and that her 12-year-old son was waiting for her at home.

Military personnel, firefighters, and volunteers are working tirelessly to search for more people trapped inside collapsed buildings. Cranes, dogs, and heavy machinery are being used to clear debris in Pereira and Cali, while volunteers form human chains to remove debris by hand. Rescue worker Pablo Cesar Ruiz says he calls out towards the rubble every few minutes, listening for any response.

Due to this massive disaster, Colombia's healthcare system is in a severe crisis, and many families have lost their homes. Beatriz Arcos, who was trapped with her husband and mother in a collapsed apartment complex, said it took about an hour to get out and that she had to be hospitalized after a concrete block fell on her. Another survivor, Stella Galvis, stated that she lost everything but considers it a miracle to have survived with her partner and young child.

Many people whose homes were destroyed by the earthquake and who fear aftershocks are spending the night outdoors or in temporary tents set up in parks. Many remain among the rubble searching for their relatives, and Jorge Gonzalez stated that he would not leave the collapsed building until his aunt is found. John Tabasco, 23, who is staying in a tent with his seven-month-old child and wife, says he is happy to have saved his life despite losing all his possessions, and that he has realized how much life can change when one has to depend on others.