Colombian earthquake victims sleep in tents fearing home collapses

In Cali, Colombia, around 200 families are seeking shelter in makeshift tents outside their apartment buildings in the Reserva de Meléndez neighborhood. The recent magnitude 7.4 earthquake left their homes with visible cracks, fallen ceilings, and structural damage, making them unsafe for occupancy. Residents, many of whom are still paying off mortgages or are renters with nowhere else to go, express deep apprehension about returning.

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When the earthquake started, many of us didn't know where to run. Some rushed down the stairs, others grabbed what they could, and some barely had time to get their children out.

"When the earthquake started, many of us didn't know where to run," said Katherine Almeida, a community spokesperson. "Some rushed down the stairs, others grabbed what they could, and some barely had time to get their children out." The tents, provided by the National Army, now serve as temporary living spaces where families store salvaged belongings and care for their pets amidst the uncertainty.

The economic vulnerability of the residents exacerbates their plight. Many fear their homes will be declared irreparable and are hesitant to leave the area, worried about looting. They have organized neighborhood watches to guard their properties. "The towers are destroyed, we don't know if we can go back in," Almeida added. "We need the government to send soil experts to tell us if we can return, but the cracks are enormous."

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The towers are destroyed, we don't know if we can go back in. We need the government to send soil experts to tell us if we can return, but the cracks are enormous.

The community is also mourning the loss of a woman who died trying to protect her children from a collapsing wall. Her children survived, but the tragedy has deepened the despair in Comuna 18, a low-income area already struggling with recent violence. Despite the heat and difficult conditions, solidarity has emerged, with neighbors bringing food and water, and volunteer doctors and psychologists offering assistance. Even clowns have visited to entertain the children, who are struggling to comprehend their new reality.

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When they found her, she was already dead. The boy was discharged, and the girl is in intensive care. It hurts us that such young children will be left without a mother.