Stadiums and Arenas Become Home for Thousands After Earthquake
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has left at least 265 dead, and sports facilities across the country have been converted into shelters for families who have lost everything.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has left at least 265 dead, and sports facilities across the country have been converted into shelters for families who have lost everything.
As Colombia grapples with the aftermath of a devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the country on Monday, August 10, at 7:34 a.m., stadiums and sports arenas have become the last refuge for thousands of families left homeless. According to the latest figures released on Wednesday by President Abelardo de la Espriella, 265 people have died, nearly 3,500 have been injured, and 500 are reported missing, as reported by France Info.
The epicenter was in San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, with the hardest-hit cities being Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, and Medellín. According to data from UNGRD (National Unit for Disaster Risk Management), 11,347 homes have been destroyed and 3,494 people have been injured, as reported by El Tiempo.
In Cali, two key sports venues, the Coliseo Metropolitano de Chiminangos and the Miguel Calero hockey field, have ceased their original purpose and become temporary homes for 68 affected citizens. Cali's mayor, Alejandro Eder, warned that time is running out: "We are entering the final phase of the first 72 hours. That doesn't mean there won't be survivors after that, but it will be harder."
In the city, 107 structures have collapsed, more than 1,000 people are injured, and over 260 are reported missing. Despite this, many are still reluctant to leave their homes, with families spending nights on sidewalks and streets in front of evacuated buildings.
In Pereira, five shelters have been opened, including the Coliseo Mayor, the Mora Mora stadium, and the parks El Vergel, El Oso, and Olaya Herrera. Around 1,000 people have passed through the shelter network, with 400 people from more than 200 families currently staying at the Coliseo Mayor.
In Manizales, 243 people, along with 17 pets, have taken refuge in the Coliseo Mayor. The city has also organized donation collection at Entrance A on Avenida Lindsay.
While people seek safety, six search dogs from the Colombian army tirelessly comb through the rubble in search of survivors. Urko, a Belgian Malinois with eight years of service and the most experienced on the team, is working in Pereira alongside Perla, a Labrador with two years of experience. In Quibdó, Polo and Nala are deployed, while Urbi and Júpiter search the ruins in Cali.
"Our dogs accompany soldiers in search and rescue operations, putting their training, courage, and extraordinary sense of smell at the service of Colombia," the army said on social media. "Because behind every search is a family waiting. And they, along with our soldiers, will not stop searching."
UNGRD Director David Tamayo confirmed that requests are being processed for international teams from the United States and Israel to arrive, as they are internationally certified and operate according to Insarag standards, under UN coordination. He added that these are fully autonomous groups that will not require additional funds from municipal administrations but will provide support to Colombian USAR teams.
The first secretary of the French embassy confirmed that there are no French casualties, while residents of Medellín, a city also affected by the earthquake, have launched a massive donation drive for the victims.
President de la Espriella declared three days of national mourning "in honor of all the deceased" and introduced an economic emergency that allows him to impose taxes and modify the budget without parliamentary procedure. He also announced the creation of a fund to aid earthquake victims. The critical 72-hour window for finding survivors expires on Thursday morning, and rescuers warn that after that, the chances of finding people alive will be significantly reduced.
