LOS ANGELES - A team of Los Angeles County firefighters has arrived in Colombia to assist with search-and-rescue efforts following Monday’s 7.4-magnitude earthquake that has left more than 280 people dead and hundreds reported missing.

“The #LACoFD USA-2 team has arrived in Colombia alongside USA-1 to assist with search-and-rescue coordination and structural engineering assessments,” the Los Angeles County Fire Department posted on Instagram Thursday morning alongside a photo of the crew.

Rescue teams are racing to find survivors three days after the powerful earthquake, which was followed by more than 100 aftershocks and reduced buildings to rubble across western Colombia.

At least 288 people have died, and hundreds more remain missing. Aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster crucial for rescuing survivors, but experts say victims can survive for a week or longer if their injuries are not severe and weather conditions remain favorable.

There have been signs of hope, including the rescue of a 32-year-old woman who was pulled from a collapsed building in Pereira after being trapped for 36 hours.

It remains unclear how long the Los Angeles County firefighters will stay in Colombia, but the department said it is grateful for the opportunity to assist. (Source: KTLA)

Story Date: August 19, 2026