Rescue crews in Colombia have pulled a 32-year-old woman alive from the rubble of a collapsed building, bringing a moment of hope to communities devastated by the country's strongest earthquake in a century.
Daniela Largo was rescued on Tuesday after being trapped beneath the debris of a collapsed building. She was carried from the wreckage wrapped in a blue blanket as rescue workers and relatives erupted in cheers and applause.
Largo's rescue came as soldiers, firefighters and volunteers continued searching through collapsed buildings across western Colombia following Monday's 7.4-magnitude earthquake.
Her mother, Sandra Milena Perez, said the family had begun losing hope before a local resident heard cries coming from beneath the rubble.
The resident and neighbours began removing debris by hand before professional rescuers arrived.
“Thanks to him, today we're happy,” Perez said, adding that Largo's 12-year-old son was waiting for his mother at home.
Authorities revised the earthquake's death toll to 216 after local officials in Cali corrected earlier figures.
In Pereira and Cali, emergency teams deployed cranes, sniffer dogs and heavy machinery as they searched for people who may still be trapped. Volunteers also formed human chains to remove bricks and other debris by hand.
Rescue operations continued into the night as aftershocks rattled already damaged neighbourhoods, forcing many families to sleep outdoors in parks and makeshift shelters.
The earthquake has placed significant pressure on Colombia's emergency and healthcare systems, triggering one of the country's largest disaster responses in years.
Survivor Beatriz Arcos described the terrifying moment her condominium collapsed around her.
“The house came down on top of us. I wasn't able to get out,” she said.
Arcos, her husband and her mother were trapped beneath the rubble for about an hour before rescuers managed to free them. She was later hospitalised after a concrete block fell on her back, while her husband and mother also sustained injuries.
In Cali, residents joined firefighters in searching through collapsed buildings with picks, shovels and their bare hands.
Rescuers repeatedly stopped to call into the rubble and listen for signs of life.
Volunteer Pablo Cesar Ruiz said teams were racing against time as they worked through the debris.
“We're doing this with our hands, with gloves. It's sad to see time slipping away,” he said.
In Pereira, army units and sniffer dogs searched through twisted concrete and exposed steel. At one site, a rescue team leader raised his fist and ordered workers to stop so they could listen for possible signs of life.
For some families, the rescue operation has become a desperate vigil.
Jorge Gonzalez said his aunt remained trapped beneath a collapsed building in Pereira.
“I arrived yesterday and I haven't left, and until they find her body I don't intend to leave here,” he said.
The earthquake has also left many survivors facing the loss of homes, possessions and livelihoods.
Stella Galvis said she and her family survived the collapse of their home by what she described as a miracle.
“We lost everything,” she said. “We survived by a miracle, since I managed to get my little boy out and my partner managed to get out too.”
Aerial images showed extensive destruction in parts of Cali, with piles of rubble replacing homes and apartment buildings. Cars were crushed beneath collapsed walls and concrete slabs.
Many survivors spent the night outside because their homes were damaged or because they feared further aftershocks.
A park in Pereira was transformed into a temporary shelter, with tents and mattresses providing refuge for displaced families.
John Tabasco, 23, was staying there with his wife and seven-month-old son.
“We lost everything, but we're alive,” he said.
Other residents described the devastation of losing homes they had spent decades working to afford.
The disaster has prompted a major humanitarian response, with thousands of Colombians donating food, water and other supplies to affected communities.
Long queues have also formed at blood donation centres as people volunteer to help those injured in the earthquake.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and announced rent subsidies for families affected by the disaster during a visit to Pereira.
The United States has pledged $15.5 million in emergency assistance, while countries around the world have offered messages of support and additional aid.
As aftershocks continue to affect damaged areas, rescue workers remain on the ground searching through the ruins for survivors, listening for voices, tapping or whistles that could signal someone is still alive beneath the rubble.