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Cali Declares Curfew and Militarizes City After 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Disasters & Emergencies

Cali Declares Curfew and Militarizes City After 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Cali, Colombia, has implemented a curfew and militarized its streets following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake.
  • The earthquake has caused at least 132 deaths and significant structural damage across the country.
  • Authorities are prioritizing search and rescue efforts and have declared a state of public calamity to manage resources.

Cali, Colombia, is under a strict curfew and increased military presence after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the nation, leaving at least 132 dead and numerous buildings damaged or destroyed. The city's mayor, Alejandro Eder, announced the measures, which include a curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM and the militarization of the city, aimed at ensuring the safety of emergency response teams and facilitating rescue operations.

We have threats of looting, which is why I have ordered the curfew and the militarization of Cali.

— Alejandro EderThe mayor of Cali explaining the reasons behind the city's curfew and increased military presence following a major earthquake.

Mayor Eder stated that the curfew and militarization are necessary to prevent looting and allow emergency services to focus on finding survivors trapped in the rubble. He urged citizens to report any looting attempts or security concerns. Police and military presence will be heightened, particularly in areas that sustained the most damage. The first 48 hours are considered critical for rescuing anyone still trapped in collapsed structures.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella visited Quibdó, the epicenter region, and then traveled to Cali. The city is receiving additional support, including 60 rescuers from Bogotá and 32 military personnel. Mayor Eder also appealed to the public for continued donations to aid the affected population. A state of public calamity has been declared, enabling the concentration of institutional resources and efforts to manage the emergency and protect lives.

These first 48 hours are critical for us to rescue alive all the people who may be trapped in the collapsed buildings.

— Alejandro EderThe mayor of Cali emphasizing the urgency of search and rescue operations in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.

In response to the disaster, the 30th edition of the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival, scheduled for August 12-17, has been suspended. Cultural authorities are assessing the situation and communicating with artists and stakeholders to determine future steps. Mayor Eder expressed confidence in the city's resilience, stating, "Caleños, we will overcome this trial united, we will overcome it together and we will move forward."

Caleños, we will overcome this trial united, we will overcome it together and we will move forward.

— Alejandro EderThe mayor of Cali addressing the citizens of Cali with a message of unity and resilience in the face of the earthquake disaster.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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