After an earthquake, how long can trapped people survive?

NEW YORK — For those trapped in rubble after an earthquake, survival depends on many factors, including weather and access to water and air.

If their injuries aren't too severe, victims can survive for a week or more, assuming the weather isn't too hot or cold, experts say.

Two days after a powerful deadly earthquake struck western Colombia, rescue teams are racing against the clock to search for survivors.

Most rescues happen in the 24 hours after a disaster.

The chances of survival drop with each day after that, experts say.

Most victims are badly injured or buried by falling stones or other debris.

After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a teenager and his 80-year-old grandmother were found alive after nine days trapped in their flattened home.

And the year before, a 16-year-old Haitian girl was rescued from earthquake rubble in Port-au-Prince after 15 days.

Water and air are crucial as time passes Trapped victims are more likely to survive if they are in a debris-free pocket that prevents major injury while they await rescue, like under a sturdy desk, said geophysicist Victor