Colombia earthquake rescue efforts enter 'final phase' as death toll rises

Colombia's earthquake rescue operations entered their "final phase" on Wednesday as emergency workers raced against time to search collapsed buildings for survivors. The magnitude 7.4 earthquake, the strongest to hit the country this century, has resulted in a rising death toll of 265 people.

In addition to the fatalities, the disaster has left more than 3,500 people injured and nearly 500 still missing. Rescue teams, including specialized units utilizing dogs, are actively combing through affected regions such as Cali and Pereira to find signs of life beneath the rubble.