An earthquake in the Colombian city of Pereira has claimed the lives of at least 265 people, with rescue teams continuing a grim search for nearly 500 individuals still unaccounted for.

The death toll rose significantly by Wednesday, as emergency services battled against time to locate survivors. Hopes are fading rapidly for those trapped beneath collapsed structures following the closure of the critical 72-hour period considered vital for survival.

Rescuers in Pereira describe