Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 265, with nearly 500 people still missing

According to reports from the Gulf Times, the death toll following the earthquake that struck western Colombia last Monday has climbed to 265. Emergency response teams are currently engaged in a race against time as nearly 500 people remain unaccounted for, with many feared trapped beneath the debris of collapsed structures.

The disaster has prompted a massive mobilization of rescue personnel and international aid, as authorities struggle to navigate the difficult terrain in the affected western regions. Search operations are ongoing, with specialized equipment and canine units being deployed to locate survivors in the most heavily damaged areas. The scale of the destruction has overwhelmed local infrastructure, leading to urgent calls for additional medical supplies and temporary housing for the displaced.

While rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on the critical window for finding survivors. Government officials have pledged to provide full support to the affected communities and have begun coordinating with international humanitarian organizations to manage the influx of aid. The situation remains fluid as search crews continue to clear rubble and assess the full extent of the damage across the impacted provinces.