Rescue teams race clock in Colombia as earthquake death toll nears 300

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia five days ago, resulting in nearly 300 deaths, 140 missing, and almost 4,000 injured. The quake, which hit San Jose del Palmar, caused widespread damage to buildings across the region, including major cities like Cali and Pereira, where over two-thirds of the fatalities occurred. Rescue efforts are ongoing, though hopes of finding more survivors are diminishing. Cali fire captain Alberto Hernandez stated, "We have only one site where there are signs of life." Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder affirmed, "Even though the 72-hour mark has passed, we're going to keep working relentlessly and without rest, as if those 70 people (still missing) were still alive." Thousands are sleeping outdoors in makeshift shelters, and President Abelardo De La Espriella has requested a temporary suspension of US tariffs on Colombian goods to aid reconstruction efforts.