Woman Rescued Alive After 36 Hours Trapped Under Rubble in Colombia Earthquake

A 32-year-old woman has been rescued alive after spending 36 hours trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building following a powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia.

The woman, identified as Daniela Largo, was pulled from the wreckage in the city of Pereira on Tuesday, August 11, as rescue teams continued searching damaged buildings for survivors.

Her rescue triggered cheers and applause from exhausted emergency workers and relatives who had feared she would not survive.

Largo was reportedly found after a resident heard cries for help coming from beneath the debris. Neighbours began removing rubble before professional rescuers arrived and took over the operation.

Her mother, Sandra Milena Perez, said the family had been losing hope until they received the call that Largo had been found alive. She said Largo’s 12-year-old son was waiting for her at home.

The rescue came amid a massive emergency operation following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10.

The earthquake caused widespread destruction, particularly in parts of the Risaralda and Valle del Cauca regions. Buildings collapsed in several communities, leaving residents trapped beneath concrete and debris.

Reports said the death toll had risen above 200, with more than 1,600 people injured, as rescue operations continued. Colombia subsequently declared three days of national mourning for the victims.

Soldiers, firefighters, police officers and volunteers have been working alongside specialised rescue teams, using sniffer dogs, cranes and heavy equipment to search collapsed structures.

In some locations, volunteers have formed human chains to remove debris by hand, hoping to reach people who may still be alive beneath the ruins.

Largo’s survival after 36 hours under the rubble has offered a rare moment of hope amid the devastation.

Rescue teams have continued to search damaged buildings despite the risks posed by unstable structures and aftershocks.
Authorities have urged residents to follow safety instructions as emergency operations continue across affected areas.

The Colombian government has declared the period of mourning as the country grapples with one of its deadliest earthquakes in years.