One month after a powerful earthquake shook the Colombian city of Cali, residents gathered to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. The commemoration, held on September 10, saw families, friends, and local officials release white balloons into the sky and lay flowers at memorial sites across the city.
The August 10 earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 5.8, caused significant damage in Cali and surrounding areas in the Valle del Cauca region. At least a dozen people were killed and hundreds more were injured, with many buildings collapsing or suffering structural damage. The disaster also displaced thousands of residents, many of whom are still living in temporary shelters.
A city in mourning
During the memorial, a minute of silence was observed at noon, the exact time the earthquake struck a month earlier. Church bells rang across the city as residents paused to remember the victims. In the central Plaza de Cayzedo, a makeshift altar was covered with photographs, candles, and messages from loved ones.
“We are here to honor those who are no longer with us, but also to show that Cali stands strong,” said María Fernanda Gutiérrez, a local community leader who lost two neighbors in the quake. “We will rebuild, but we will never forget.”
The city’s mayor, Alejandro Eder, addressed the crowd, promising continued support for the recovery efforts. “This tragedy has tested us, but it has also revealed our resilience,” he said. “We will not rest until every family has a roof over their heads and every child is back in school.”
Rescue teams, many of whom worked around the clock in the immediate aftermath, were also honored during the ceremony. Firefighters, police officers, and volunteers received applause as they laid wreaths at the city’s main fire station.
Recovery and reconstruction
While the memorial was a moment of reflection, the recovery process is far from complete. According to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, more than 2,000 homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. Temporary housing units have been set up on the outskirts of Cali, but many families are still waiting for permanent solutions.
Engineers have been assessing the structural integrity of public buildings, including schools and hospitals. Several historic churches in the city center, some dating back to the colonial era, suffered severe damage and remain closed to the public. The local government has pledged to prioritize the restoration of these landmarks, which are central to Cali’s cultural identity.
The earthquake also disrupted essential services. Water and electricity were cut off for days in some neighborhoods, and the main hospital was forced to evacuate patients due to safety concerns. While services have largely been restored, the psychological impact on residents remains profound. Mental health support groups have been established in affected communities, offering counseling to those struggling with trauma.
“The physical scars are visible, but the emotional ones are deeper,” said Dr. Lucía Ramírez, a psychologist volunteering with the relief effort. “Many people are afraid to go back inside their homes. We are here to help them heal.”
As Cali continues to rebuild, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of community. The white balloons that floated into the sky on Tuesday carried not only grief but also hope for a future where the city can emerge stronger from the rubble.
