Colombia earthquake: Rescue operation enters 'final phase'

Rescuers are racing against a critical 72-hour window to find survivors after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that has killed 265 people, left hundreds missing, and displaced tens of thousands across western Colombia.

President de La Espriella promises to set up an emergency fund to help rebuild destroyed hospitals and schools.

Colombia's earthquake rescue efforts have entered what officials called the "final phase", as rescuers searched for signs of life beneath collapsed buildings before the critical first 72 hours came to an end.

Crews are approaching 72 hours since Monday's magnitude 7.4 quake, a period when survivors are considered most likely to be found alive beneath collapsed buildings.

Rescuers searched for signs of life beneath collapsed buildings.

The magnitude-7.4 quake collapsed buildings and caused widespread damage in the South American country.