Colombia earthquake kills 285, signs of life found in rubble

The Story in Brief

Rescuers in the Colombian cities of Pereira and Cali reported signs of life beneath collapsed buildings on Friday, more than 96 hours after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday. In Pereira, Mayor Mauricio Salazar said contact was made with a woman trapped in a hotel. Authorities have extended search operations through Saturday, even as the death toll reached at least 285, with nearly 4,000 injured and hundreds missing, according to government figures. Private groups estimate the missing could be in the thousands.

The disaster has affected over 100,000 people, leaving tens of thousands homeless. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office days before the quake, announced plans to partner with private companies for reconstruction and provide subsidies to homeless families. Schools, parks and public buildings have been converted into shelters. International aid has arrived from Peru, China, the United States and the UAE, but in some areas government assistance has yet to reach residents.