Rescuers call for silence around earthquake rubble in Colombia

Key Points:

• A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, killing over 280 people and leaving hundreds missing, with rescuers urgently searching for survivors amid dwindling chances of finding anyone alive.
• President Abelardo de la Espriella highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting nearly 400 missing people, over 3,900 injured, and widespread destruction affecting more than 44,900 families.
• Rescue efforts are transitioning toward body recovery, but saving lives remains a priority as aftershocks continue, including a 4.2 magnitude tremor in the Chocó region, the quake's epicenter.
• International aid is arriving, with tens of tons of humanitarian supplies delivered and donations pledged by countries such as the UAE, China, and regional football organizations, as well as specialized rescue teams from the US.
• Colombia's rapid and organized response contrasts with Venezuela's slower reaction to recent earthquakes, highlighting differences in institutional capacity and disaster management between the neighboring countries.