Colombia says it will only accept rescue teams from four countries, as earthquake survival window closes | CNN

Lee este artículo en español

Emergency teams in Colombia are searching desperately for survivors of an earthquake that has killed at least 273 people as the crucial window for rescues drew to a close on Thursday, with the government still only accepting help from a handful of countries.

Nearly 380 people are still missing, Colombia’s agency for disaster preparedness and response said Thursday, after the quake damaged homes, schools, bridges and airports across a large swathe of the country.

“Our main efforts are focused on the missing,” said President Abelardo De la Espriella in a statement late Wednesday, calling for unity.

Monday’s devastating earthquake, the worst to hit Colombia in decades, posed an early test for the newly inaugurated leader. His government has surprised some by turning down or limiting help from several countries in the region, after they offered immediate assistance following the 7.4 magnitude quake.