Colombia enters 'final phase' of quake search as toll clears 265

Magnitude 7.4 quake, the strongest to hit Colombia this century, has killed 265 people and injured more than 3,500, with almost 500 still missing, according to local authorities. Leer más

Rescuers in Colombia were making last-ditch efforts to locate earthquake survivors early as the critical 72-hour window for rescue operations neared its end.

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.

World Around 3,770 people were injured and more than 9,550 homes were destroyed in the quake. Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella delivers a statement on recovery efforts following Monday's earthquake, which struck several major cities in western Colombia, at San Carlos Palace in Bogota, Colombia on Aug 12, 2

Rescuers searched for signs of life beneath collapsed buildings.

Colombia president vows reconstruction fund as search for quake survivors enters critical period  Reuters

In Colombia, the desperate search for survivors is entering a critical phase after the powerful earthquake that devastated parts of the country. More than 180 people are confirmed dead. But 24 hours after the quake struck, there are still remarkable moments of hope. Geoff Bennett reports.

Dogs and drones have been deployed to search for those trapped under collapsed buildings, with local authorities reporting at least 150 deaths from the nation's strongest earthquake in a decade.

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