Search and recovery teams in western Colombia continued working through building debris on Sunday, six days after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the region. The quake occurred Monday morning with its epicenter in San Jose del Palmar, impacting areas from the Pacific port of Buenaventura to the central coffee-growing region. Official estimates released Sunday reported approximately 290 people dead, 140 missing, and 4,200 others injured.
The earthquake damaged or destroyed apartment buildings, homes, schools, hospitals, and churches, particularly in the cities of Cali and Pereira. Rescue efforts in Cali have transitioned toward the recovery of bodies, with local fire department officials stating there are currently no signs of life beneath the rubble. Emergency crews reported that persistent aftershocks have complicated the work, requiring a methodical approach to ensure the safety of rescuers and residents assisting at the sites.
In response to the displacement and injuries caused by the disaster, relief operations have expanded across the country. A stadium in the capital city of Bogota has been converted into a major donation collection center. In Pereira, local authorities are providing medical treatment and food for injured pets. The disaster represents the first major challenge for President Abelardo De La Espriella, who assumed office just days before the earthquake occurred on Monday.
The scale of the reconstruction effort is reflected in the early private sector response. Two prominent Colombian families have pledged a combined $79.75 million toward rebuilding efforts. Billionaire Jaime Gilinski announced a donation of 150 billion pesos (approximately $47.75 million) specifically for hospitals and schools in Cali, while the Santo Domingo family pledged $32 million on Friday. These funds are intended to restore essential services for the thousands of residents currently relying on temporary aid centers like the stadium in Bogota.
The success of these reconstruction efforts will set a precedent for the administration of President De La Espriella, who must manage the distribution of these multi-million dollar donations alongside government relief. The next steps for affected families involve the ongoing recovery of the 140 people still reported missing and the long-term process of rebuilding urban infrastructure. While initial private funding has been secured, the specific timeline for the completion of new schools and hospitals has not yet been reported.