Rescuers Race Against Time In Search For Survivors After Colombia Earthquake

Search-and-rescue teams worked through the rubble following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026.

The earthquake’s epicenter was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department. Rescuers worked for days in affected areas, including Pereira, Cali and Quibdó, searching for people trapped beneath collapsed structures.

The video shows Colombian National Police, firefighters and USAR teams working through a heavily damaged multi-story building. Rescuers dig through concrete, bricks and debris as they search the wreckage.

Teams including USAR COL-22, Bomberos Pereira and Policía Nacional personnel are seen working together during the operation.

The footage also shows a large nighttime rescue effort under artificial lights, with rescuers, paramedics and bystanders gathered around a collapsed section as teams work to reach and assist a person trapped beneath the debris.

A motivational voiceover urges the person not to give up: “Advance, don’t give up until you give it everything… My arms, don’t give up… Advance, advance… Don’t give up.”

The operation took place during the critical first 72 hours after the earthquake, when rescuers worked to reach people trapped under the rubble.