Cali begins reconstruction after devastating earthquake

By Mario Baos

Cali, Colombia (EFE).- At the 46 sites where buildings collapsed following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Cali on August 10, the search for survivors has officially ended. The heavy machinery that spent days shifting tons of concrete and iron is now tasked with a different mission: clearing the remains of a city scarred by tragedy to pave the way for reconstruction.

Amidst the twisted steel, personal belongings (photographs, books, and documents) continue to surface from the ruins of homes and offices. These small fragments of lives once lived are being recovered from the dust and debris, serving as poignant reminders of what was lost.

«The search and rescue phase is over, and we are now fully focused on Cali’s recovery,» said Mayor Alejandro Eder. He noted that crews are currently prioritizing the removal of rubble from streets and sidewalks near buildings that suffered total or partial collapse.

According to the latest figures from the Mayor’s Office, the disaster left 153 people dead and 1,657 injured. Of the recovered bodies, 148 have already been returned to their families, while forensic experts continue the process of identification for the remaining victims.

As grieving families prepare funerals for their loved ones, city workers and volunteers across Cali continue the grueling task of clearing the thousands of tons of debris left in the earthquake’s wake.

«We will accompany the people of Cali throughout this entire process with concrete decisions and a clear roadmap for our city’s rebuilding,» Eder stated.

To date, approximately 39,650 tons of debris have been cleared. Reports indicate damage to 9,090 homes and buildings. More than 1,100 municipal employees remain on the ground to manage the emergency and drive the recovery efforts.

Cali’s Infrastructure Secretariat is overseeing much of the cleanup, while the Municipal Enterprises of Cali (Emcali) are working to restore essential public services in the hardest-hit sectors.

A city’s spirit begins to rise

The urban landscape is slowly shifting as streets that were cordoned off during the initial emergency begin to reopen to traffic.

Police maintain a constant presence in affected neighborhoods to prevent looting and ensure safety while restoration work continues around the clock.

Some displaced residents previously staying in temporary shelters are being moved to hotels funded by the local government. This measure aims to reduce overcrowding in public spaces and prevent potential health crises.

However, as night falls, a heavy silence returns to the sites of the collapses. Spontaneously, friends, neighbors, and relatives gather to light candles and pray, honoring the memory of those who perished.

From emergency response to long-term rebuilding

Mayor Eder estimated that rebuilding Cali could cost approximately 10 trillion pesos (about 3.26 billion dollars). Structural assessments are underway to determine the necessary interventions for every damaged building.

«Reconstruction is not just about brick and mortar; it also involves supporting families, understanding their needs, and finding lasting solutions,» the mayor affirmed.

The city, which for nearly two weeks focused all its energy on rescue efforts, now enters a new chapter of resilience. EFE

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