Colombia quake deaths hit 294 as rescue turns to recovery

Hope of finding more survivors faded in Colombia on Saturday as rescuers pulled more bodies from rubble five days after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. At least 294 people died, 320 are missing and nearly 4,000 were injured, according to Colombia's disaster management unit. Over two-thirds of the deaths were in Cali and Pereira.

In Cali, fire captain Alberto Hernandez said only one site showed signs of life. Elsewhere, crews were recovering bodies, expected to finish by Sunday before heavy equipment clears debris. Hundreds of people in Pereira slept in parks due to unsafe buildings. Colombia has recorded 269 aftershocks since the quake.

President Abelardo De La Espriella, who took office a week ago, faces criticism for not immediately accepting foreign rescue teams. Authorities later received teams from Israel and the US. Thousands in Bogota and Medellin donated food and medicines for victims.