Cali Locates Last Earthquake Victim, Begins Reconstruction Phase

Cali has officially concluded its search and rescue operations for victims of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck southwestern Colombia on August 10. The last person missing under a collapsed building was located on Friday, marking a somber end to the recovery phase.

The city now faces the daunting task of reconstruction. This next stage involves demolishing structures deemed unsafe, clearing tons of debris, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure. Mayor Alejandro Eder acknowledged the difficult moment, stating, "It is a very important moment. It is also a very painful moment, because it adds to the victims who have died in this disaster, it adds to the pain of the people of Cali." He expressed gratitude to the rescuers, volunteers, and medical personnel involved.

Official figures report 150 fatalities in Cali, with 140 bodies identified and returned to families. During the emergency, 88 people were rescued alive, and over 1,500 sustained injuries. Currently, 50 individuals remain hospitalized, some in critical condition, and four have required amputations.

Beyond the immediate casualties, the earthquake has caused significant social disruption. More than 15,000 households have reported losses to their homes and are awaiting financial aid promised by the national government. Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara announced that "life aid" payments will be channeled directly to affected communities starting next week through the National Disaster Risk Management Unit.