Search Continues for 19 Bodies Buried in Cali Collapse Zones Amid Evacuation Orders

Search operations are intensifying for 19 bodies still buried in four collapse zones following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Cali on August 10th. The emergency has entered a critical phase focused on public safety, stabilization, and the grim task of recovery.

Authorities have issued strict orders for civilians and volunteers to evacuate disaster sites. This directive comes amid the emergence of serious biological risks and the precarious instability of numerous structures. The city's mayor, Alejandro Eder, warned that damage assessments will necessitate the demolition of over 100 buildings.

Official reports indicate 139 confirmed fatalities, with 126 bodies already identified and returned to families. Additionally, 1,569 people have been injured, and 56 remain missing. Rescue teams have successfully saved 88 citizens and 147 animals from the rubble. The physical landscape of the city shows extensive damage, with 24 buildings completely collapsed and 127 partially destroyed.

A significant concern is the 192 structures with verified structural damage that pose an imminent threat of collapse. These buildings are undergoing final evaluation for demolition. Essential public infrastructure has also been impacted, requiring urgent repairs and modern seismic reinforcement or complete reconstruction. The Secretary of Security for Cali, Javier Garcés, emphasized that the priority for rescue organizations remains focused on the search beneath the ruins.

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the priority absolute of the rescue organizations is concentrated in the search