Cali begins demolishing buildings following major earthquake

Demolition efforts have begun in Cali, Colombia, targeting 16 buildings deemed irrecoverable following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on August 10. Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed that work is underway in the Cuarto de Legua sector, the Conjunto Residencial Guadalupe, and the Motel Molino Rojo, with more areas expected to follow.

The earthquake resulted in 331 deaths, 4,500 injuries, and left 111 people missing, affecting over 466,000 residents. The Red Cross has warned that communities still face critical shortages in sanitation, mental health support, and housing.

In the Colombian Senate, debates regarding the 2027 budget have highlighted concerns over reconstruction funding. Senator Alejandro Ocampo criticized the proposed budget, noting that the 2.2 trillion Colombian pesos allocated for housing represents only 2.5% of total public investment. Critics argue this amount is insufficient to address the scale of damage and the needs of thousands of vulnerable families.