A 45-member Mexican search-and-rescue team, known as the Topos Azteca, arrived in Cali, Colombia, on Wednesday to assist in rescue efforts following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country’s southwest on Monday. The team, equipped with infrared cameras and specialized technology, joined local and international responders in searching for survivors trapped under rubble in cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó.
The earthquake, which had an epicenter near San José del Palmar in Chocó province, killed at least 265 people and left nearly 500 missing, according to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. Civilian-run databases, however, reported more than 4,100 missing, while over 25,800 families were impacted. The disaster destroyed buildings, buckled roads, and crushed vehicles, prompting urgent relief efforts.
Mexico’s Topos arrive as government initially rejects aid
The Mexican team, which had recently assisted in Venezuela’s June earthquakes, was initially rejected by Colombia’s government under President de la Espriella, citing sovereignty concerns. The Topos stated they would respect the refusal but later confirmed their arrival in Cali after a Damage and Needs Assessment was conducted. By Wednesday morning, they announced on X (formerly Twitter): “We are here, Colombia!”
ZAKA establishes temporary clinic amid ongoing rescue operations
A delegation from ZAKA International Division, including search-and-rescue personnel, doctors, engineers, and experts in preserving the dignity of the dead, arrived in Cali, Pereira, and Chocó to support local teams. The group established a temporary clinic at a destruction site to provide immediate medical care, medications, and field treatment. Yosef Garmon, ZAKA South America Commander, stated: “We are operating here for the Jewish community, but also for all local residents. For us, this is a mission of mutual responsibility and human responsibility.”
Global aid converges as death toll rises
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun announced that Beijing would provide relief support to Colombia, following a message of condolence from President Xi Jinping to de la Espriella. China’s assistance would be provided “within China’s capacity” and in line with Colombian requests. Meanwhile, the New England Association for Colombian Children, a U.S.-based nonprofit, launched a donation drive to fund food, water, housing, medicines, and rescue efforts, emphasizing the urgent needs of affected children.
Critical window for rescues narrows
Rescue teams, including Colombian civil defense, ZAKA, and the Topos, continued 24-hour operations to locate survivors. Alejandro Eder, mayor of Cali, warned that the next 20 hours were the most critical for finding people alive. Social media videos showed a baby rescued from rubble in Cali, while rescuers in Pereira pulled a 32-year-old woman from the debris. Officials stressed that the first 48 to 72 hours were crucial for survival, though extended rescue efforts remained possible if trapped individuals had access to food and water.
Aftershocks and secondary hazards complicate recovery
The Colombian Geological Service reported an additional magnitude 4.8 aftershock shortly after the initial quake, which struck at a depth of 79 km. China’s embassy in Bogotá advised citizens in affected areas to guard against secondary hazards from aftershocks. The government continued to prioritize the search for the nearly 500 officially reported missing, though civilian databases suggested a significantly higher number.
Long-term recovery efforts begin
As rescue operations persisted, attention turned to long-term recovery, with aid agencies and governments coordinating to address housing, medical care, and infrastructure repairs. The earthquake’s devastation tested Colombia’s new administration, with de la Espriella emphasizing that “our efforts are focused on the disappeared.” International teams, including those from Mexico and Israel, remained on the ground, while China and U.S.-based organizations pledged further support.