Tragedy after earthquake in Colombia: Valentina Vanegas, mother of the rescued baby, found dead
The hope that had blossomed after the miraculous rescue of a two-month-old baby in Cali has been tarnished by a painful confirmation. Valentina Vanegas, mother of little Salomón, was found lifeless this Saturday under the rubble of the Limonar building, after remaining trapped for six days following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook Colombia last Monday.
The family’s case had moved the nation. On August 12th, Salomón’s rescue became a symbol of resilience in the face of the catastrophe. The minor was located next to his father, Juan David Gómez, after emergency teams managed to hear voices alerting them to the child’s presence among the collapsed structures.
A devastating toll for the country
Unfortunately, the Limonar building was also the scene of another irreparable loss for Juan David’s family, as his brother, Juan Esteban, who was little Salomón’s uncle, was found lifeless in the same place.
According to the most recent report issued by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), the balance after the seismic movement is alarming:
- Deceased: 294 people.
- Injured: 3,935 citizens.
- Missing: 320 people.
In the city of Cali, the number of fatalities has risen to 111, while search and rescue efforts continue in the affected areas to locate the missing and provide support to those affected by this earthquake, which has marked a turning point in the country’s recent history.
