Colombia quake death toll rises to 181 as rescuers search for thousands still missing

Colombia’s national government said the death toll from a devastating earthquake has risen to 181, and President Gustavo Petro warned that thousands of people remained missing roughly two days after the disaster, as search-and-rescue teams worked to reach survivors trapped in damaged neighborhoods. A CBS News report described rescue crews trying to pull people from rubble during ongoing efforts in a hard-hit city, highlighting the narrow window for live extraction as time passes.

According to the President’s remarks cited in the report, the government’s tally for deaths increased to 181 within that 48-hour period. The same statement emphasized that the number of people still missing had reached the “thousands,” indicating that authorities expect additional casualties and injuries to be identified as communications return and damaged areas are accessed.

The CBS News report focused on the uncertainty and urgency faced by families in the quake zone, where the collapse of structures and disruptions to basic services left survivors dependent on the ability of emergency workers to locate them quickly. Rescue operations continued amid the ongoing challenge of assessing unstable buildings, clearing debris, and coordinating access to affected streets.

In the video coverage, the “moment of hope” came from a rescue effort occurring while crews were racing against the clock. Such extractions, when they occur, can reduce the number of missing residents immediately, but authorities have also stressed that casualty totals can change as officials confirm identities and evaluate areas that were initially unreachable.

Beyond the immediate rescues, the CBS account underscored the scale of the ongoing response, with thousands still reported missing after the earthquake. That figure points to the practical strain on local and national emergency services, including the need to sustain search teams, medical capacity, and temporary shelter as authorities work to stabilize communities and begin longer-term recovery planning.

Petro’s stated death toll and missing-person count also report the broader public-safety stakes for Colombia’s institutions, as the government must balance rapid rescue operations with investigation and assessment to determine which buildings can be used and how to prevent additional deaths from secondary hazards, such as structural collapse during aftershock conditions.

As the response continues beyond the first two days, officials are likely to expand verification and reporting as new areas are reached and as missing persons lists are updated. The CBS report’s depiction of real-time rescues reflects the continuing uncertainty faced by residents trying to reunite with family members and receive confirmation from authorities.