Story perspectives

President Orders Relief After 7.4 Quake Kills 294

8/16/2026

Summary

Espriella Leads Relief

President Abelardo de la Espriella directed relief efforts after the 7.4-magnitude quake that killed 294 people, left 320 missing and injured nearly 4,000.
Cali fire captain Alberto Hernandez said rescuers will finish body recovery by Sunday before deploying heavy equipment.
Donations include over $15 million from United States, 150 billion pesos from businessman Jaime Gilinski for hospitals and schools, and $1 million from Football Confederation and Colombian Football Federation for reconstruction.

Summary

Rescuers Locate Family

Ana María Saavedra Caycedo survived with arm injuries and a fractured pelvis and has undergone surgery.
A GoFundMe campaign for Saavedra Caycedo has already raised thousands of dollars for her medical care.
The deceased family members include parents Jair Saavedra and Vicky Caycedo, uncle Diego Caycedo, and sisters Sofía and Isabella.
Rescuers located Sofía first, then the parents, and finally Isabella, completing the family search.

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Espriella Leads Relief

President Abelardo de la Espriella directed relief efforts after the 7.4-magnitude quake that killed 294 people, left 320 missing and injured nearly 4,000.
Cali fire captain Alberto Hernandez said rescuers will finish body recovery by Sunday before deploying heavy equipment.
Donations include over $15 million from United States, 150 billion pesos from businessman Jaime Gilinski for hospitals and schools, and $1 million from Football Confederation and Colombian Football Federation for reconstruction.

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