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Colombia Enters Final Rescue Phase After 72-Hour Quake Window

8/13/2026

43 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced that Colombia entered the final rescue phase on Wednesday as the 72-hour window closed.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed 265 people, injured over 3,500 and left almost 500 missing.
David Tamayo Roldán became director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management on Wednesday.
Mexico sent 19.5 tons of aid and 255 military personnel while Colombia barred external rescue groups.

History

Historical Context

On 12 January 2010 a magnitude-7.0 quake near Léogâne shattered Haiti’s capital and affected about three million people. Over 20 nations sent troops and the United Nations mobilized thousands of volunteers, while the United States pledged $100 million on 14 January. The response underscored Haiti’s long-standing vulnerability from poverty, weak building codes, and historic external debt.

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Story summary

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced that Colombia entered the final rescue phase on Wednesday as the 72-hour window closed.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed 265 people, injured over 3,500 and left almost 500 missing.
David Tamayo Roldán became director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management on Wednesday.
Mexico sent 19.5 tons of aid and 255 military personnel while Colombia barred external rescue groups.

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