Cali Begins Reconstruction After Devastating Earthquake

Cali, Colombia, is transitioning from the immediate aftermath of a devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake to the crucial phase of reconstruction. Two weeks after the tremor struck on August 10, the focus at the 46 sites where buildings collapsed has shifted from searching for survivors to clearing the wreckage.

Machinery that once sifted through tons of concrete and steel is now tasked with removing the remnants of the tragedy, aiming to reopen streets and pave the way for rebuilding the city. Amidst the twisted structures, personal belongings like photographs, books, and documents are surfacing, serving as poignant reminders of the lives buried beneath the debris.

Mayor Alejandro Eder announced that the search and rescue phase has concluded, and the city is now concentrating on recovery efforts. Work is underway to clear debris from streets and sidewalks adjacent to buildings that suffered total or partial collapse. The latest figures from the Mayor's office report 153 fatalities and 1,657 injured. Of the recovered bodies, 148 have been returned to their families, while identification and handover processes continue.

As families begin funeral arrangements, city workers are diligently removing the vast quantities of material left by the earthquake. Mayor Eder assured residents of the city's commitment to supporting them throughout the reconstruction process with concrete decisions and a clear plan. To date, 39,650 tons of debris have been cleared, and damage has been reported in 9,090 homes and buildings.

Over 1,100 city officials are actively involved in the recovery operations. The Secretariat of Infrastructure is leading the cleanup efforts, while the Municipal Enterprises of Cali (Emcali) are working to restore public services in affected areas. Some roads closed since the earthquake are gradually reopening. Police are maintaining security in impacted zones to prevent looting.

Displaced individuals who were housed in shelters are being relocated to hotels, with costs covered by the local government, to reduce overcrowding and mitigate potential health issues. As night falls, spontaneous gatherings occur at collapse sites, where families, friends, and neighbors light candles, pray, and remember those who lost their lives.