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Race against time: Factors that determine survival after a major earthquake

Experts say the first 24 hours are critical — breathable air, access to water, injury severity and how quickly rescuers arrive determine chances of survival.

Published Aug 12, 2026, 12:12 PM EDT | LehighValleyLive

As rescue crews continue searching collapsed buildings following the devastating earthquake in western Colombia, one question often emerges after major disasters: How long can people survive while trapped beneath rubble?