Colombia earthquake rescue enters final phase

The August 12 earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, devastated the departments of Cauca and Huila, leaving more than 260 dead and thousands homeless.

After weeks of intensive search‑and‑rescue operations, officials announced that the most likely window for finding survivors has passed, shifting focus to recovery and reconstruction.

Humanitarian agencies are coordinating shelter, medical care and food distribution as aftershocks threaten to destabilise already‑damaged structures.