Colombian Rescuers Save 3-Month-Old Baby Amid Deadly Earthquake Aftermath

Rescue teams in Colombia continue urgent efforts to find survivors following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the country on Monday. The official death toll has reached 265, with over 3,500 injured and approximately 500 still missing. Search operations are focused on the heavily damaged cities of Cali and Pereira, where rescuers use cranes, sniffer dogs, and specialized equipment to clear rubble and listen for signs of life. Despite survival chances dropping significantly after 72 hours, rescuers persist in their efforts.

Among recent rescues is that of Solomon, a three-month-old baby found alive beneath collapsed building debris in Cali. He was rescued with minor head injuries and scratches, while his father was also saved and taken to a hospital. In Pereira, rescuers are concentrating on a collapsed bakery after receiving indications that Pablo Loaiza, who was present during the quake, might still be alive. His family gathered at the site as teams attempted to communicate through tapping under the rubble.

The earthquake destroyed over 11,000 housing units, leaving thousands homeless. Many residents are spending nights outdoors due to structural damage and fears of aftershocks, which have already exceeded 100. International aid has begun arriving, including an Israeli delegation. The United States pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid, and the European Union allocated two million euros. The Colombian government rejected claims of political delays in aid deployment, stating that rescue team selections were based on professional criteria.