Colombian Brother’s Anguish as Rescue Efforts Continue at Collapsed Cali Building

POLICY WIRE — Cali, Colombia — Rescue workers are battling against time and debris at the Torres del Limonar building in Cali, which collapsed following a significant earthquake. Amid the ongoing search for survivors, the emotional toll on those awaiting news of their loved ones is palpable.

BBC Mundo reporters have reached the site where emergency responders are meticulously combing through the wreckage. The efforts are intense as teams use heavy machinery and manual labor to navigate the unstable structure.

“Every minute counts,” said a rescue worker, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The building, known locally as Torres del Limonar, housed numerous residents, and the exact number of people trapped remains uncertain.

Among those anxiously waiting is a Colombian brother, whose sibling is believed to be inside the collapsed building. “I just want to know if he’s alive,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “The waiting is the hardest part.”

Authorities have not yet released an official count of casualties or survivors. The earthquake, which struck early morning, has left a trail of destruction across the city, with several other buildings sustaining damage.

International aid has begun to pour in, with neighboring countries and global organizations offering assistance. The Colombian government has declared a state of emergency in the affected regions, mobilizing all available resources to support the rescue operations and provide aid to those displaced.

As the search continues, the community rallies together, offering support and hope to those impacted by the disaster. Local shelters have been set up to accommodate those left homeless, and medical teams are on standby to provide care to the injured.

The full extent of the damage and the number of those affected are still being assessed. Updates from the site are expected as rescue efforts progress.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)