The earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday has left families in shock, with many still living under the shadow of its devastation. In Cali, Antonella, a young woman who moved there four years ago, recounts how she and her husband fled their apartment on the eighth floor just after 7:28 a.m. They had been preparing for the day when the ground began to shake violently. “We knew exactly what to do,” she says, recalling that they had participated in annual drills for earthquakes, which are common in this region. She and her husband descended the stairs, which felt like an eternity, while their dog remained safe nearby. Despite the chaos, they were able to escape unharmed. In Pereira, another city heavily affected by the disaster, Cristian, a father from La Plata, was caught off guard. He was asleep when the tremors began, and his wife had already sent their children to school. The alarm on his phone alerted him, prompting them to flee toward an open space. “I didn’t know what to do,” he admits. His daughter, however, was found later covered in dust, having survived the collapse of part of the school building. Today, Cristian describes how his family lives in fear, with his daughter still sleeping with shoes on and insisting they sleep near the front door. “She’s scared,” he says, adding that the psychological trauma has taken a heavy toll on them all. Meanwhile, in the capital of Risaralda, the situation remains dire. Buildings have collapsed, and the airport is out of commission. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency, warning of more than 100 buildings at risk of further collapse. The death toll continues to rise, with over 169 confirmed fatalities and more than 900 injured. The government has activated national emergency protocols, allowing for the rapid deployment of resources to the hardest-hit areas. Football legend James Rodríguez, captain of the Colombian national team, took to social media to express his sorrow and solidarity. “The situation is devastating and sad,” he wrote. He called on citizens to support one another and emphasized the importance of unity during these difficult times. “We must help each other and continue moving forward,” he urged. His message resonated widely, with fellow athletes such as Luis Díaz and Jhon Arias also offering their condolences and support. Arias, from Chocó, one of the regions most severely impacted, shared messages of hope and encouraged people to seek comfort in faith. He even offered to provide an airplane for aid efforts, showing the extent of the community's response. In Buenos Aires, actress Catherine Fulop organized a solidarity event known as “Arepazo Solidario” to raise funds for victims of the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. The initiative, held in Palermo, saw hundreds of people gather to buy arepas, traditional Venezuelan corn cakes filled with various ingredients. Over 400 arepas were sold, raising nearly seven million pesos for organizations like Cocinando por Venezuela, which distributes food to affected communities. Fulop, alongside chefs and influencers, worked tirelessly throughout the event, emphasizing the power of collective action. The effort highlighted the ongoing humanitarian response to the crisis, even beyond Colombia’s borders. As the days pass, survivors continue to cope with both physical and emotional scars. While some have managed to rebuild parts of their lives, others remain trapped in cycles of anxiety and uncertainty. The earthquake has not only shaken the earth but also the hearts of those who lived through it. For now, the focus remains on recovery, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of communities striving to heal.
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