Rescue crews in Colombia are in the “final phase” of searching for survivors after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country on Monday, with authorities nearing about 72 hours since the quake. Outlets report rescuers are focusing on collapsed buildings where people may still be alive, as the window of highest chances for survival closes.
The death toll continues to increase as search operations proceed. Japan Times and RTE News describe officials’ characterization of the effort as entering a final stage, tied to the timing of the first critical 72 hours. Free Malaysia Today similarly emphasizes the approach to the 72-hour mark and reports a higher total of deaths, with the toll reaching 265. While all accounts agree on the timing and the purpose of the search, they differ mainly in the specific reported casualty figures.
Across the reports, the shared emphasis is that authorities use the first 72 hours after a major quake to concentrate on locating survivors trapped under rubble, and that the operation is transitioning as that period ends.
