Aid comes from regional partners after earthquake in Colombia

WESTERN COLOMBIA (NBC, KYMA) - Tons of aid from regional partners began to roll into Colombia, as the search for survivors in the rubble of a powerful earthquake grew more desperate Thursday.

Three days after the temblor razed buildings, buckled roads and crushed cars.

The devastation has tested Colombia's new president, Abelardo De La Espriella, and his government as it scrambles to respond to the disaster and civil society as it pushes to provide aid to the most affected communities.

De La Espriella said Wednesday evening that at least 265 people died in the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country's west on Monday.

The president said nearly 500 people were reported missing, though civilian-run databases put that number at more than 4,100.

In total, more than 25,800 families were impacted, De La Espriella said.

Teams continued to pick through the rubble in the hardest hit cities of Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdo, as time ticked away for victims to be found and rescued alive.

Aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours crucial for retrieving survivors, though that threshold can be extended if those trapped have access to food and water.

On Wednesday afternoon, Alejandro Eder, the Mayor of Cali, told reporters that rescue teams continue to find signs of people alive under the rubble and are racing to save them.