Colombia marks ten days of mourning following the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake
Ten days have passed since a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombian territory, leaving a devastating scene in multiple regions of the country. According to the most recent report from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), the tragedy has claimed the lives of 314 people, while 262 citizens remain missing and 4,437 were injured.
Since the start of emergency operations, rescue teams have managed to save 364 people. However, the impact of the earthquake, considered the most severe recorded in Colombia in the last 25 years, has affected 147,464 families, which translates to more than 262,000 citizens affected in 471 municipalities across the country.
Material damage and infrastructure crisis
The earthquake, whose epicenter was located in the municipality of San José del Palmar, Chocó, has left a trail of unprecedented destruction on the national infrastructure. The figures for material damage continue to be updated as experts access the most impacted areas:
- Housing: 30,664 structures destroyed and 136,946 with varying levels of damage.
- Buildings: 302 buildings collapsed, with the greatest impact in Cali and Pereira.
- Public services and health: 352 health centers, 3,470 educational centers, and 105 aqueducts severely damaged.
- Connectivity: 449 roads, 58 vehicular bridges, and five airports show significant damage.
Research on structural failures in Cali
The city of Cali has been one of the main focal points of the emergency. Given the collapse of multiple structures, Mayor Alejandro Eder has ordered an in-depth investigation to determine if there was negligence in building codes or engineering failures, especially in recently constructed buildings.
I am struck by the number of relatively new buildings that collapsed. That requires an investigation.
Alejandro Eder, Mayor of Cali
Currently, more than 50 structural engineering teams are working on the ground, having inspected nearly 920 buildings, while the Mayor’s Office is managing the census of more than 10,000 affected families in the area.
Government recovery measures
President Abelardo de la Espriella announced an action plan coordinated with the insurance sector to expedite the disbursement of policies and the delivery of state aid. The strategy includes cross-referencing databases to accelerate compensation, granting a two-year period for citizens to file their claims.
The Government has emphasized that the priority in care will be focused on social interest housing and strata 1, 2, and 3. Meanwhile, search efforts for the missing and safety assessments of the remaining structures continue to be the absolute priority for national authorities at this time of reconstruction.
