Search for survivors in Colombia after earthquake enters critical phase as death toll tops 180

In Colombia, the search for earthquake survivors has entered a critical phase, according to PBS NewsHour, as rescue teams and local emergency workers continue looking for people trapped after the powerful quake that damaged communities across parts of the country.

The confirmed death toll has risen to more than 180, the program reported, underscoring the scale of the disaster and the pressure on emergency responders dealing with collapsing structures and widespread damage.

More than 24 hours after the earthquake struck, PBS NewsHour described ongoing, closely watched efforts aimed at locating survivors, including moments that have offered families and rescuers brief hope even as the odds grow harder.

PBS NewsHour’s Geoff Bennett reported that rescuers are operating under extremely difficult conditions during the critical window when people can still be found alive, with each passing hour affecting how search operations are prioritized and timed.

The report highlighted that the situation is fluid, with the death toll confirmed so far and the search still active, meaning the final casualty figures may continue to change as authorities retrieve more information from impacted areas.

As the search continues, authorities are expected to keep coordinating among civil defense and local government units to manage rescue logistics, medical needs, and public communications for communities still waiting for word on loved ones.

For residents near the hardest-hit zones, the coming hours are likely to determine how many survivors can be reached in time, while officials work to transition from a primarily search-and-rescue posture to the broader disaster response as information and access improve.