This is how they search for the missing after the earthquake: they investigate in prisons, shelters and morgues
Un terremoto de magnitud 7,4 ocurrido el 10 de agosto de 2026 dejó 588 personas desaparecidas, según el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses. A pesar de que 436 personas ya han sido localizadas y las búsquedas en áreas afectadas han sido suspendidas, las autoridades continúan investigando el paradero de 152 personas cuya ubicación sigue siendo desconocida. Las autoridades judiciales revisan posibles lugares como cárceles, albergues y morgues para encontrar a estos desaparecidos. Se mencionan hipótesis oficiales que sugieren que algunos de los desaparecidos pueden haber sido encontrados en instituciones públicas, aunque aún no se ha confirmado oficialmente. Existe preocupación debido a la alta cantidad de personas desaparecidas y la dificultad para establecer un registro preciso.
The earthquake of magnitude 7.4 on August 10, 2026, left 588 people missing, according to records from the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences. Although 436 individuals have been located and search operations under rubble in major affected cities have been suspended, judicial authorities continue to track the whereabouts of 152 people who remain unaccounted for since the disaster. The municipal administrations lack certainty regarding the locations of these missing persons, as the likelihood of bodies remaining trapped in collapsed buildings or homes has diminished over time. However, concerns persist due to the high number of unresolved cases. The victims who have not yet been found were last seen in Antioquia (1), Risaralda (112), Valle del Cauca (36), Cauca (1), and Chocó (1), according to Ariel Emilio Cortés, director of Legal Medicine. These figures raise alarm, as 152 individuals remain without any trace since the tragedy. Authorities have several hypotheses to explain this situation. Official sources indicated that some missing persons were located in police stations, prisons, shelters, and hospitals. Additionally, a significant number have reportedly been found alive, though families have not formally confirmed their status. This suggests the possibility of an inaccurate record of the current situation. Search efforts for the missing began immediately following the earthquake. Of the 588 known reports, 110 correspond to deceased individuals and 326 more were rescued in optimal conditions. According to Cortés, the authorities assigned him the task of compiling all the missing person lists into one centralized database. He explained, “We unified all the lists into one so we could speak clearly about the missing. When bodies arrive at Legal Medicine, they are identified within the list, and we also receive information about those who are still alive.” The large volume of data has led to complications in statistical reporting. A city official from Pereira, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that during the emergency, hundreds of missing persons were registered on authorized websites, and family members did not provide further details. “We have found people in prisons, and there are individuals whose communication with their families is broken, making it possible that the numbers might be inflated,” he said. The initial findings indicate that the 152 active missing person cases are not linked to deceased bodies. By August 28, the institution had received 331 corpses, all of which were identified and distributed among departments as follows: Antioquia (1), Caldas (5), Cauca (1), Chocó (12), Quindío (3), Risaralda (10), and Valle del Cauca (199). All victims have been handed over to their families. In solidarity with the grieving, President Abelardo De La Espriella called on Colombians to participate in a national prayer for the country on the night of Friday, August 28, in Bogotá and other parts of the nation. The president’s focus has shifted to addressing the aftermath, including new measures aimed at aiding recovery efforts. In Cali, he announced the establishment of a “material bank” and financial assistance of COP 1 million per family. These initiatives aim to support communities impacted by the disaster while continuing the search for those still missing.
Un terremoto de magnitud 7,4 ocurrido el 10 de agosto de 2026 dejó 588 personas desaparecidas, según el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses. A pesar de que 436 personas ya han sido localizadas y las búsquedas en áreas afectadas han sido suspendidas, las autoridades continúan investigando el paradero de 152 personas cuya ubicación sigue siendo desconocida. Las autoridades judiciales revisan posibles lugares como cárceles, albergues y morgues para encontrar a estos desaparecidos. Se mencionan hipótesis oficiales que sugieren que algunos de los desaparecidos pueden haber sido encontrados en instituciones públicas, aunque aún no se ha confirmado oficialmente. Existe preocupación debido a la alta cantidad de personas desaparecidas y la dificultad para establecer un registro preciso.
Bias read (Center): El artículo presenta una narrativa objetiva sobre la situación de los desaparecidos tras el terremoto, sin mostrar un sesgo claro hacia ningún grupo político. Muestra tanto la dificultad de las autoridades para localizar a las personas como las hipótesis oficiales sobre su posible ubicación. No hay唛
Why factuality (75): The article reports on the earthquake of August 10, 2026, citing official figures from the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences regarding the number of missing persons. It mentions the search efforts in various locations like prisons, shelters, and morgues, aligning with cross-
Why objectivity (60): The tone is somewhat alarmist, emphasizing the uncertainty and concern over the missing individuals. The article presents information but also includes subjective interpretations, such as suggesting that some reported findings might not be accurate, which introduces bias.
El EspectadorIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 558/28/2026
The article reports that De la Espriella has announced new measures following an earthquake, having previously addressed the situation from Pereira. The focus is now shifting to Cali, indicating a strategic move to manage the aftermath and potential risks associated with the seismic activity.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on the announcement of new measures by De la Espriella in response to an earthquake, without evident bias or slant towards any particular political stance. It focuses on the actions taken and the shift in attention to Cali, maintaining a neutral tone.
Why factuality (60): This article provides limited details about De La Espriella’s announcements without providing specific data or quotes. It lacks depth and does not contextualize the measures within broader relief efforts, making it less factual compared to more detailed reporting.
Why objectivity (55): The article is brief and lacks critical analysis. It simply reports the announcement without offering any perspective or balance, resulting in a one-sided presentation.
El EspectadorIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 558/28/2026
De la Espriella, a local official in Cali, Colombia, has announced the creation of a 'bank of materials' aimed at providing construction supplies to residents in need. Additionally, they have pledged aid of COP 1 million per family as part of broader relief efforts in the city. These initiatives are likely targeted at addressing housing shortages and supporting families affected by economic challenges. The announcement reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to address social and economic issues in Cali.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an official announcement regarding new policies and aid programs without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It presents the information neutrally, focusing on the actions taken rather than evaluating them ideologically.
Why factuality (60): Similar to the previous article, this piece offers minimal factual content, focusing only on the announcement of aid measures without elaborating on specifics or sources. It lacks supporting details and context, reducing its factual value.
Why objectivity (55): The article is presented in a straightforward manner but lacks any critical evaluation or alternative viewpoints. It remains focused solely on the government's actions without exploring potential implications or challenges.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
CO
