Hope fades as Colombia only accepts rescue teams from four countries after deadly quakes

Hope is dwindling in Colombia as the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors following a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake has largely closed. The powerful tremor, which struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, has claimed at least 281 lives, injured nearly 4,000, and left hundreds more missing across multiple departments including Chocó, Risaralda, Caldas, and Valle del Cauca. Widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services has compounded the humanitarian crisis.

In a controversial move, the Colombian government has decided to limit international search and rescue efforts, accepting assistance only from teams representing the United States, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Israel. This decision, announced by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, is attributed to the need for specific international and national certifications for rescue operations. The stance has reportedly led to some countries, like Mexico, being turned away despite offering aid.

The government's selective acceptance of international help has drawn criticism amid the desperate search for those still trapped under rubble. With the official death toll rising and thousands displaced, affected communities are grappling with immense loss and uncertainty as emergency teams continue their arduous work. President Abelardo De la Espriella has declared the disaster an "economic emergency" and a period of national mourning.