Cali Advances in Body Recovery One Week After Devastating Earthquake

One week after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia, rescue teams are working tirelessly in Cali to recover the bodies of victims trapped under rubble. The devastating quake has claimed nearly 300 lives, with Cali and Pereira being among the most severely affected cities.

In Cali, emergency crews are operating in extended shifts to address critical sites, including the Torres del Limonar residential complex, where efforts are focused on retrieving three bodies. Firefighters from Cali, Bogotá, and Jamundí, along with naval and police rescue units, are collaborating with specialized Israeli Defense Forces teams. These international experts are providing crucial support in search, engineering, and rescue operations.

At Torres del Limonar, 25 bodies have already been recovered, and three more have been located, with extraction planned. The recovery and stabilization of the area will follow the removal of tons of debris. The earthquake's human toll is immense, with personal tragedies unfolding, such as that of journalist Carlos Aponte, who lost his parents, niece, and pets.

Major Roni Kaplan, spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces, stated that their teams are working at multiple locations, including the Torres del Limonar, the University Hospital of Valle, and the Vanessa building, providing specialized assistance. He affirmed their commitment to staying as long as necessary for the rescue efforts and supporting local authorities in the reconstruction phase.

As the emergency transitions from search and rescue to debris removal and recovery, officials are expressing gratitude to the community for their vital role. Milton Castrillón, spokesperson for the Mayor's Office of Cali, noted that after more than 140 hours of operations, the focus is shifting towards clearing affected areas.