Rescue teams from Venezuela, Argentina, and Israel have joined the search for survivors following a massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday, killing at least 287 people. The U.S. is coordinating with Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella and the Colombian government to assess and respond to earthquake-related needs.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Search and rescue teams have reported apparent signs of life under the rubble in two of the Colombian cities hit hardest by the earthquake, rekindling hopes that more people could be found alive. The mayor of Pereira, Mauricio Salazar, told a radio station that contact was made with a woman who was asking for help amid the rubble of a collapsed hotel.

Authorities in Cali also reported apparent signs of life, saying at least three people were trapped under collapsed buildings. The search and rescue effort has been extended through Saturday. Tens of thousands of houses were damaged or destroyed, and thousands of schools, medical facilities, and community centers were affected.

Rebuilding Efforts

Colombia faces another challenge: rebuilding a nation shattered by a disaster that affected more than 100,000 people. The government has announced a plan to partner with private companies to rebuild and provide subsidies for families who are homeless. National and international funds raised in response to the disaster will focus on the reconstruction of hospitals, schools, homes, roads, and airports.

The Trump administration announced an additional $11 million in humanitarian aid, bringing the total U.S. assistance following the earthquake to $26.5 million. The U.S. continues to coordinate with the Colombian government to assess and respond to earthquake-related needs.

Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.