Gisela Sánchez's double ordeal for burying her mother with dignity in Cali: she asked that the photos of her dead mother not be made viral

In the wake of a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, which struck Colombia on Monday morning, August 10, 2026, the city of Cali has been left reeling with widespread damage and loss of life. Among the most tragic stories emerging from the disaster is that of Jairo Hernán Saavedra and his wife, Victoria 'Vicky' Caicedo, whose bodies were found buried under rubble two days after the quake. The couple, parents of triplets, had spoken just hours before the tremor about music and mortality, unaware that their lives would soon be cut short. Their youngest daughter, Sofia, was found dead, while another child, Isabella, remains missing, and the third, Ana Maria, was rescued alive. The earthquake struck at 7:34 PM on Monday, shaking buildings and triggering landslides throughout the region. Rescuers confirmed on Wednesday that Jairo and Vicky were discovered embracing beneath the debris, their belongings including a collection of salsa records, a genre they both loved. Friends and family described the couple's last moments through videos shared online, showing them dancing and celebrating with friends on August 9, just days before the tragedy. DJ Prilla, a close friend of Jairo, recounted how he had joked about wanting the song "Brilla" played at his funeral, saying, "I don't think you're going to die anytime soon." The search for the remaining triplet, Isabella, continues as her family waits anxiously for news. Meanwhile, the emotional toll of the disaster extends beyond the Saavedra family. Another victim, Gisela Sánchez’s mother, was trapped under a collapsed structure in the neighborhood of Chiminangos II. Her body remained exposed for over 24 hours, drawing unwanted attention from curious onlookers who took photographs. Gisela, visibly distraught, used social media to plead for help, expressing frustration over the lack of immediate assistance and the exposure of her mother's remains. She called on emergency services to prioritize removing the body so she could give her mother a proper burial. The situation grew more complicated when the body had to be moved to Palmira due to damage sustained by the Institute National de Medicina Legal in Cali. Despite these challenges, the family eventually received their mother’s remains and held a dignified funeral. Gisela expressed relief that her initial plea on social media helped expedite the process, though she acknowledged the pain of watching her mother’s body remain exposed. Amidst the chaos, misinformation spread rapidly through WhatsApp groups and social media platforms. Claims circulated that authorities planned to demolish affected buildings in Cali during the early hours of the morning. These rumors caused panic among residents, leading to confusion and fear. However, officials quickly denied the reports, emphasizing that any demolition decisions would be based on technical assessments of building damage. The city’s risk management department clarified that no immediate or indiscriminate demolitions were planned, stressing the need for accurate information dissemination to avoid unnecessary alarm. Authorities have deployed teams of structural engineers to inspect damaged buildings and determine necessary interventions. Any potential demolition would involve controlled procedures, including preventive evacuations to ensure public safety. Officials urged citizens to rely solely on official channels for updates and to refrain from spreading unverified information, which could exacerbate uncertainty and hinder rescue efforts. As the recovery process unfolds, the focus remains on locating the missing Isabella Saavedra and providing support to families affected by the earthquake. Emergency services continue to work tirelessly, navigating the complex landscape of rubble and emotional distress. With each passing day, the community seeks to rebuild not only its infrastructure but also its sense of unity and resilience in the face of such devastation.