Major company joins Colombia, One Heart, the first lady's campaign for the reconstruction of the country
In the wake of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10, 2026, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, the Group Trinity and its subsidiary Acerías Paz del Río announced significant contributions to support rescue operations and recovery efforts. The disaster resulted in 294 confirmed deaths and 81,506 damaged homes, affecting nine departments including Chocó, Valle del Cauca, and Risaralda. In response, the companies pledged to donate protective equipment and personal protective gear (PPE) to aid rescue teams working with the Colombian Red Cross. Additionally, they committed to providing 100% of the steel needed to rebuild the iconic Cathedral of Manizales. The Group Trinity also joined the 'Colombia, un solo corazón' campaign led by First Lady Ana Lucía Pineda, emphasizing solidarity and national unity during the crisis.
Cali has officially concluded its search and rescue phase following the devastating earthquake that struck on August 10, 2026, marking a critical shift toward recovery efforts. The city, which suffered the highest number of fatalities, confirmed that the last victim was located under rubble, bringing the total death toll to 150 and over 1,500 injured. Among the casualties, four individuals required amputation due to severe injuries, while more than 50 remain hospitalized, some in critical condition. The city’s mayor, Alejandro Eder, announced the completion of the search operation during a press briefing held at the Unified Command Post (PMU), emphasizing that the final casualty count will be verified by the Attorney General's office. The focus is now shifting to supporting the families affected by the disaster, with over 20,000 households already registered as damaged. Eder estimated that this number could rise to between 25,000 and 30,000 once the registration process concludes. He expressed confidence in the community’s resilience, stating that Cali would rebuild stronger and more inclusive, ensuring future generations benefit from the lessons learned. In response to the crisis, the national government has initiated plans to provide economic assistance to the affected families. Minister of Interior Rodrigo Lara emphasized that aid will begin as early as the upcoming week, with funds distributed directly into recipients' accounts to avoid logistical hurdles. These “lives support” measures aim to go beyond mere rental subsidies, addressing the specific needs of each household. Lara noted that legal pathways are being explored to expedite the distribution through the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). The government has also acknowledged the extensive damage caused by the earthquake, which left 163,492 homes damaged, 31,461 destroyed, and 302 buildings collapsed across 472 municipalities. This widespread impact highlights the need for tailored assistance, particularly for middle- and upper-income residents who were not traditionally targeted by state welfare programs. While initial aid prioritizes low-income households and social housing units, officials have assured that families from other socioeconomic strata will also receive support. The challenge lies in effectively reaching those who, though not classified as vulnerable, have been significantly impacted by the disaster. Luis Fernando Mejía, CEO of Lumen Economic Intelligence, stressed that emergency responses must differ from standard social policy approaches. A detailed census of affected households is crucial to ensure appropriate resources reach those in need. The Ministry of Housing, led by Jaime Andrés Beltrán, outlined a three-phase strategy for recovery: immediate relief, followed by improvements and subsidies, and finally long-term reconstruction spanning two to four years. Beltrán highlighted that the first phase aims to complete initial emergency support by the end of August and September, using donations to enable self-construction or home improvement for those with minor damages. The second phase, from October 2026 to March 2027, will focus on rent assistance and initial subsidies for existing properties. The third phase will involve comprehensive rebuilding efforts, reflecting the scale of the task ahead. As Cali moves forward, the emphasis remains on delivering timely and equitable aid, ensuring that all affected residents, regardless of their income level, are supported in the recovery process. The city faces a formidable challenge, but the commitment to rebuilding a resilient and inclusive society offers hope for the future.
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