Uncertainty and desperate search: Relatives of Mexicans missing in Colombia after earthquake
Anguish has taken hold of the loved ones of Mario Zapata and Brenda Flores, a couple of Mexican citizens whose whereabouts remain unknown following the devastating earthquake that shook Colombia last Monday. Given the scarce information provided through diplomatic channels, the families have turned to social media and live broadcasts to closely follow the rescue efforts in the Pereira area.
The couple was in the department of Risaralda enjoying a vacation since August 6th. The last communication their loved ones received was a routine message sent on Monday at 7:05 in the morning, just thirty minutes before the 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the region.
Actually, most of the news we have received has been through social media, from people who are there on the site who keep us informed if they found life or if they are waiting for some rescue team.
Mario, son of Mario Zapata
The struggle for direct answers
After confirming that the couple was staying at the Hotel Dibeni, one of the structures severely affected in downtown Pereira, the relatives have expressed their frustration at the lack of speed in the official reports. Although the case was notified to the consular authorities, the relatives consider that the information received is insufficient given the gravity of the situation.
To obtain accurate data and not rely exclusively on distance, a daughter of Mario Zapata and a sister of Brenda Flores will embark on a trip this Saturday to Colombia. The goal is to arrive in Pereira on Sunday to have direct contact with the emergency teams working in the hotel rubble.
Tragedy toll
- The 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred on August 10th.
- So far, Colombian authorities have counted 285 deaths and 3,975 injuries.
- The number of missing persons has risen to 379.
- The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, confirmed that the deployment of the Topos Tlatelolco rescue group was not authorized by the Government of Colombia.
Meanwhile, Brenda Flores’ children are facing moments of deep desolation while waiting for news. The community remains attentive to any official update that might clarify the status of the Mexican citizens in the midst of this humanitarian crisis currently affecting Colombian territory.
