World

Colombia: Volunteers Recover Memories of Earthquake Victims in Cali

Herz — World Desk · 17 August 2026 at 05:47 · 30s summary · 2 min read

The essentials

Volunteers are recovering photographs, suitcases and other personal belongings from the rubble in Cali following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake on Monday, August 10. They are returning these items to grieving families, according to reports from 24 heures and Tribune de Genève. The death toll in Cali approaches 300, though the exact figure varies depending on the source. The number of missing persons also remains uncertain. While rescue operations have halted in many buildings, searches continued elsewhere as of August 16, 2026.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on August 10.
The death toll in Cali approaches 300 according to several sources.
Volunteers are returning objects found in the rubble to bereaved families.
The exact number of missing persons remains uncertain.

What We Know

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday morning, August 10. It is the deadliest earthquake in the country this century.

In Cali, volunteers are recovering photographs, suitcases and other personal belongings from the rubble. They are trying to return them to grieving families.

24 heures and Tribune de Genève report a death toll near 300 in Cali. Other sources mention approximately 300 deaths or at least 300 victims.

Memories Returned to Loved Ones

Managers of a residential complex in Cali are overseeing the recovery of items from the debris. These are then returned to residents and their loved ones.

Marlene Niño, 70, thus recovered several family photographs salvaged from the ruins. One shows her young, alongside her sister Doris.

Doris Niño, 72, died in the collapse of her building. She was heading to the dentist when the earthquake struck, and her body was found.

Manuela Barrios, a 38-year-old volunteer psychologist mobilized since the earthquake, observes the reactions of loved ones. She notes that recovered objects help them remember and change their expression.

Search and Rescue Operations

Rescue operations have been halted in many buildings as the chances of finding survivors became minimal. However, searches in the rubble were still ongoing elsewhere as of August 16, 2026.

Lenny Ruiz died protecting her dog Salomon during the collapse of their building in Cali. The animal was found alive in her arms.