Deadly quake dies from injuries, dimming hope of rescue for missing 320

PEREIRA (Colombia) — A Colombian woman rescued after being trapped under rubble for nearly 37 hours following a powerful earthquake has died from her injuries, her family told AFP on Saturday.

Daniela Largo, 32, was pulled from the debris on Tuesday in Pereira to shouts of joy and applause, becoming a symbol of hope for a nation reeling from Monday’s disaster.

Largo, who died on Friday, leaves behind a 12-year-old son.

“I just want this all to be over quickly,” Largo’s mother Sandra Milena Perez told AFP.

Monday’s earthquake has so far killed at least 294 people and injured nearly 4,000, authorities say.

Rescuers are still searching for at least 320 people who are unaccounted for, according to data from the disaster management agency.

In the worst-hit areas, rescue workers are using heavy machinery to remove large sections of roofs and walls, while residents remain hopeful of finding survivors.

“If there is someone alive, it would be a miracle, but I don’t think there’s anyone alive underneath,” said Fernando Gaitan, a 55-year-old restaurant delivery worker.

Rescuers have brought in heavy machinery to help remove large sections of roofs and walls and are visibly fatigued after days of gruelling work.

“We’re going to stay until the last person is recovered,” firefighter corporal Javier Jimenez told AFP.