Cali concludes search and rescue operations after devastating earthquake
The city of Cali has reached a turning point following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook southwestern Colombia on August 10th. This Friday, authorities confirmed the conclusion of search, rescue, and victim recovery operations, after locating the last person who remained trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.
With the conclusion of this critical stage, the capital of Valle del Cauca is preparing for a complex reconstruction process. Efforts will now focus on the demolition of structures at risk of collapse, the massive cleanup of debris, and the rehabilitation of the areas most impacted by the natural phenomenon.
It is a very important moment. It is also a very painful moment, because it adds to the victims who have died in this disaster, it adds to the pain of the people of Cali.
Alejandro Eder, Mayor of Cali
Official toll of victims and injured
The consolidated report by the Technical Investigation Corps (CTI) of the Prosecutor’s Office indicates a tragic toll of 150 deceased, of whom 140 have already been handed over to their families for funeral services. In contrast to the devastation, the efforts of emergency teams allowed for the rescue of 88 citizens alive.
- Total deaths: 150 people.
- People rescued alive: 88.
- Total injured: More than 1,500.
- Hospitalized patients: 50 people, some in serious condition and four with amputations.
Path to recovery and government aid
The emergency has left a deep mark on social infrastructure, with more than 15,000 households reporting considerable damage to their homes. Given this situation, the National Government has announced the deployment of so-called “life aid” for the affected communities.
The Minister of the Interior, Rodrigo Lara, detailed that the strategy will focus on the direct delivery of monetary assistance through the Risk Management Unit. It is expected that the channeling of these resources will begin to take effect starting next week, prioritizing families who lost their material goods.
Cali thus begins a long path of resilience, where attention to the victims and the physical reconstruction of the city will be the fundamental priorities to overcome one of the most serious crises recently experienced in the country.
