Rescuers Race Against Time in Cali After Deadly Quake Collapses Building

In the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that

In the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck southwestern Colombia, emergency crews in Cali are engaged in a desperate hunt for survivors beneath the rubble of a collapsed five-story apartment block. The tremor, which hit early Tuesday morning, reduced the structure to a chaotic pile of concrete and twisted metal, trapping an unknown number of residents inside.

Genevieve Glatsky, a reporter based in the country, arrived at the scene within hours of the collapse. She described a tense atmosphere as firefighters, police officers, and civilian volunteers worked side by side, using heavy machinery and their bare hands to clear debris while listening for any sounds of life. "Every few minutes, the crowd falls silent, hoping to hear a knock or a cry from below," Glatsky noted.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.8, caused panic across the city, but the collapse of the apartment building—home to dozens of families—has become the focal point of the rescue operation. Officials have confirmed at least nine deaths so far, with more than thirty people injured, but they fear the toll could rise as teams reach the lower floors where many were likely sleeping.

Mayor Alejandro Eder, who has been coordinating the

Mayor Alejandro Eder, who has been coordinating the response, urged residents to remain calm while warning that the search would be long and arduous. "Every minute counts, and we are deploying all available resources to find those still alive," he said in a brief statement. The national government has also sent specialized search-and-rescue units, along with sniffer dogs, to assist local efforts.

As dusk fell, floodlights illuminated the site, and workers continued their painstaking work, carefully removing debris in sections to avoid triggering further collapses. Family members gathered behind police barriers, clutching photos and praying as they waited for news. Glatsky spoke to one woman, María Fernanda Ruiz, whose sister lived on the third floor. "She called me when the shaking started, but the line went dead," Ruiz said, tears streaming down her face. "I just want them to find her, alive or not."

Geologists have noted that the region is prone to seismic activity, but this quake was among the strongest in recent years. Experts are now examining whether the building met construction codes, raising concerns about urban safety standards. Meanwhile, rescue teams remain hopeful, citing cases where survivors have been pulled from rubble days after similar disasters.

The operation is expected to continue through the

The operation is expected to continue through the night, with crews rotating shifts to maintain momentum. For the families and the city, the wait is agonizing, but the resolve is unwavering. As Glatsky put it, "In the dust and chaos, there is a collective determination not to give up until the last voice is heard."