Cali begins a three-year reconstruction process after devastating earthquake
The city of Cali faces a historic challenge following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook the region last week. Mayor Alejandro Eder has projected that the comprehensive recovery and reconstruction process for the city could extend over the next three years, marking a crucial stage for the future of the Valle del Cauca capital.
We are living through an emergency that will last about three years. We are in the phase of attending to the victims, but then we have to rebuild Cali: a resilient Cali, an inclusive Cali, a Cali with a future, a Cali for the youth. Cali will come out stronger, we will move forward.
Alejandro Eder, Mayor of Cali.
From search and rescue to urban recovery
Following initial efforts focused exclusively on saving lives, authorities have transitioned to a new phase of the emergency. After the first week, rescue teams shifted their work at collapsed buildings, moving from the search for survivors to the recovery of fatalities. In parallel, the Secretariat of Infrastructure has worked arduously on cleaning the city, managing to remove more than 25,000 tons of debris so far.
Restoration of services and connectivity
One of the most significant achievements in crisis management has been the rapid recovery of public services. The earthquake left 350,000 users without electricity, affecting more than half of the local population. However, thanks to Emcali’s technical response, 99% of the service was normalized in less than two days.
- Installation of 12 mobile satellite connection points for rescuers and victims.
- Inter-institutional coordination for the reception of humanitarian aid.
- Constant evaluation of damaged structures to ensure the safety of citizens.
National and international solidarity
Mayor Eder underscored the importance of the support received in light of the magnitude of the tragedy. Cali has counted on the support of countries such as El Salvador, Peru, Mexico, and the United States, in addition to the assistance of various Colombian cities. However, the leader especially highlighted the generosity and spirit of the people of Cali, who have turned out to help their fellow citizens in this critical moment.
Despite the emotional weight that comes with leading a response to a natural disaster of this magnitude, Eder emphasized that the primary objective remains the protection of human life. The path to reconstruction will be long and will require strategic planning, constant resources, and a joint effort between the government, civil society, and international organizations to transform Cali into a more resilient city in the face of future challenges.
