Cali under impact: The tragedy following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia
The city of Cali is trying to overcome the devastating aftermath of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook much of the Colombian territory. As the hours pass, the death toll has risen to 169 nationwide, 85 of which correspond exclusively to the capital of Valle del Cauca. The earthquake, whose epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, Chocó, has left a trail of destruction that is only just beginning to be fully quantified.
A bleak outlook in the Valle del Cauca capital
Daylight has revealed the true magnitude of the disaster: collapsed roofs, cracked facades, and collapsed urban infrastructure. Sectors such as Ciudad Capri, La Alameda, Pampalinda, and Nueva Tequendama are among the most affected. At critical points such as the vicinity of the Cañaveralejo Bullring, rescue efforts are intensifying while relatives await news about their loved ones trapped under the rubble.
We are putting all our institutional, human, and technical capabilities at the service of the people of Cali to protect lives and support the overcoming of this emergency.
Brigadier General Herbert Benavidez, Commander of the Cali Metropolitan Police
Given the risk of aftershocks and the instability of buildings, thousands of citizens have had to take refuge in temporary shelters set up in facilities such as the Baseball Diamond, the National School of Sport, and the Jairo Varela Square.
Regional impact in Valle del Cauca
The emergency is not limited to Cali; various municipalities in the department are facing critical situations:
- Dagua: Four deaths are reported and more than 80 homes have collapsed. The municipality is facing a total power outage and communication failures.
- Roldanillo: With more than 1,000 homes affected, the death of two people was confirmed, including councilman Juan Carlos García.
- Northern Zone: Municipalities such as El Cairo have suffered extreme damage, with 80% of their homes collapsed. In El Águila and Argelia, hospital damage has forced the installation of field care centers.
While rescue teams—comprised of the Police, Fire Department, Civil Defense, and the Red Cross—work against the clock, departmental authorities are coordinating the shipment of basic supplies, medicine, and humanitarian aid to the most isolated areas. Cali and Valle del Cauca now face the complex challenge of recovery, amidst the relentless search for survivors and mourning for human losses.
