Cali quake survivors crowd shelters as aid reaches Colombia

In the Colombian city of Cali, families whose homes were destroyed by Monday's powerful earthquake are gathering at shelters to receive food and clothing. The 7.4-magnitude temblor has left a trail of devastation, with buildings razed, roads buckled, and cars crushed.

Nigeria Rentería, Secretary for Social Welfare at the Santiago de Cali City Council, said four shelters have been established so far. She noted that many residents have been hesitant to leave their damaged properties, hoping to protect their belongings and stay close to rescue efforts. One shelter in Cali already houses 74 people, with more arriving. Separate accommodation has been arranged for Indigenous victims whose homes collapsed.

Ebert Jonathan Morales, a Cali resident, described losing everything. "My house was completely destroyed. We can't live there. It collapsed," he said. "We've lost everything. Everything. Everything is gone."

Another resident, Olga Janeth Castro, was with her three children when the earthquake struck. She said they fled as a wall of their flat came crashing down. "We were left with practically nothing," she said, adding that the shelter staff treated them well and provided food and clothes.

President Abelardo de la Espriella reported at least 265 deaths and nearly 500 people missing, though civilian databases suggest the missing figure could exceed 4,100. More than 25,800 families have been affected, according to the president.

Rescue teams continue to search the rubble in the hardest-hit cities of Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo. Aid agencies say the first 48 to 72 hours are critical for finding survivors, though those with access to food and water may survive longer. Tons of aid from regional partners have begun arriving in the country as the government and civil society scramble to respond to the disaster.