Colombia: 32-year-old found alive after spending 36 hours under earthquake rubble

Daniela Largo, 32 years old, was pulled alive from the rubble in the city of Pereira, 36 hours after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia and left her trapped.

The operation to rescue her lasted about 10 hours. The teams were able to find her after a resident heard the 32-year-old’s voice as she called for help.

Firefighters used a small camera to determine Largo’s position. Four heavy concrete slabs blocked access to her, so the teams dug two tunnels: through one they sent oxygen, and through the other they pulled her from the rubble. She was then taken by ambulance for medical treatment.

The tremors have left significant damage in western Colombia. Official data speak of at least 188 victims, while hundreds of others are listed as missing.

At least 92 buildings have collapsed in Pereira. Meanwhile, in Cali, emergency teams continue to search for people who remain under the rubble.

The discovery of Daniela Largo alive has given hope to emergency teams, who are continuing operations in the areas hardest hit by the earthquake.