Colombia Earthquake: Grief Turns to Anger as Rescue Efforts Lag

In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that

In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck Cali on Monday, frustration is mounting among relatives of the missing, who accuse authorities of moving too slowly to find those trapped beneath collapsed buildings. The 7.4-magnitude tremor has left a trail of destruction, and for many families, the wait for news has become unbearable.

Rescue teams have been working around the clock, but the scale of the devastation is immense. Entire blocks in the city's older districts have been reduced to piles of concrete and twisted metal. Yet, for those standing outside the cordons, each hour that passes feels like an eternity, and their anger is palpable.

“They keep telling us to be patient, but our loved ones are under there,” said one woman, her voice cracking as she gestured toward a half-collapsed apartment building. “We hear noises, but the machines stop. We need more people, more dogs, more everything.”

Local officials acknowledge the pressure and say they

Local officials acknowledge the pressure and say they are prioritizing areas where signs of life have been detected. However, they also caution that the operation is complicated by aftershocks and unstable structures, which have forced crews to pause repeatedly for safety reasons.

Meanwhile, community volunteers have stepped in, forming human chains to pass water and supplies, while others use their bare hands to clear debris alongside trained rescuers. The collective effort has brought some comfort, but it has not eased the core demand: a faster, more transparent search process.

As night falls on the city, the glow of floodlights and the sound of jackhammers continue. For the families, the vigil is far from over. They are not asking for miracles, only for urgency—and for the chance to bring their missing home, whether alive or not.