Emergency responders in Colombia have successfully rescued a three-year-old girl and a 75-year-old man from the debris of a recent earthquake, finding them alive 100 hours after the disaster struck. The survival of both individuals marks a significant milestone, as they were recovered well past the critical 72-hour window typically considered vital for finding survivors post-disaster.
As of August 16, 2026, search and rescue operations remain active. Teams are continuing their efforts to locate survivors, with 320 people still reported missing following the seismic event.
Why It Matters
In disaster medicine and urban search and rescue, the first 72 hours after an earthquake are widely referred to as the "golden window" for finding survivors. After this three-day threshold, the likelihood of survival drops precipitously due to dehydration, exposure, and untreated injuries. Colombia itself is highly vulnerable to seismic activity because it sits at the intersection of major tectonic plates, including the Nazca, Caribbean, and South American plates, making earthquake preparedness and rapid rescue capabilities a constant priority for the nation.
English (US) ·