Hopes fade in Colombia as more bodies recovered days after powerful quake

With rescue teams still searching unstable rubble for survivors, Colombia faces a growing humanitarian crisis as thousands remain displaced, hundreds are missing and authorities turn to body recovery and reconstruction. A backhoe removes debris from collapsed buildings in Pereira, Colombia, after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. (AFP pic)BOGOTA: Hopes of finding survivors of the earthquake that struck western Colombia five days ago were dwindling on Saturday, as more bodies were pulled from buildings that collapsed due to the 7.4-magnitude quake that left hundreds dead or missing.The earthquake struck just after 7.30am in San Jose del Palmar, toppling apartment buildings and damaging schools, churches, hospitals and homes from the Pacific port Buenaventura to Colombia's coffee-growing region and major western cities.At least 294 people have died with 320 more missing and nearly 4,000 more injured, Colombia's disaster management unit estimated on Saturday.Over two-thirds of the deaths were concentrated in the cities of Cali and Pereira."We have only one site where there are signs of life," Cali fire captain Alberto Hernandez told Reuters."At the other locations, we are unfortunately in the phase of recovering bodies," he said.With over 2 million inhabitants, Cali is Colombia's third-biggest city.

Rescue workers continued through the morning to sift through mountains of shattered concrete, bricks and metal to find those who remain unaccounted for, while others were cleaning their neighborhoods armed with brooms and shovels.Hernandez said they would likely finish recovering bodies by Sunday, after which they will begin using heavy equipment to clear the debris.Juana Catano, who coordinates a citizens' action group, told Reuters efforts were now focused on recovery and rebuilding."We are in a time of overwhelming mourning," she said.Hundreds sleep outdoorsThe deaths of people who had become national symbols further dwindled hopes late into the week.Daniela Largo, 32, died in hospital after surviving 36 hours under the rubble, and 24-year-old Juan Felipe Giraldo was found dead after an intense operation at a collapsed hotel.Giraldo, whose father spent days by the collapsed building waiting for news, had been set to get married on Sunday. He leaves behind a 2-year-old son.Thousands of people gathered in the cities of Medellin and Bogota to donate food, clothing and medicine to donation centers for distribution to areas devastated by the quake.In the city of Pereira, deep in Colombia's coffee-growing region, hundreds of people spent the night on mats or in tents at a makeshift shelter… Around 290 people have died with 140 more missing and nearly 4,000 more injured, according to ​official estimates.