The shocking story of the surgery done by doctors deep in the rubble of a collapsed building in Cali

On Monday, August 10, 2026, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck Cali, Colombia, triggering widespread panic and destruction. The tremors collapsed buildings, disrupted infrastructure, and left residents scrambling for safety. Among the hardest-hit areas was the neighborhood of El Lido, where a four-story building housing commercial spaces and residential units collapsed onto the street. Within minutes of the quake, emergency services were mobilized, with medical teams among the first responders arriving on the scene. Dr. Laureano Quintero, a traumatologist and expert in disaster response, led a team of surgeons and paramedics to the site. His account paints a vivid picture of the chaos unfolding: cries for help echoing through the rubble, families desperately searching for loved ones, and the overwhelming sense of urgency. According to Quintero, the situation was dire. "We found generalized anguish, complete disorder, multiple shouts, calls for help, family members informing us their relatives were trapped, witnesses who heard screams and some voices that could be heard from the debris," he recalled. "Clearly, there were survivors, which is why we immediately chose a focus for intervention." The search efforts quickly centered around the distressing sounds emanating from beneath the rubble, specifically, the desperate cries of Paula Andrea Lasprilla and the groans of her son, Omar Martínez Lasprilla. After two hours of intense rescue operations, the team successfully extracted Omar. Covered in dust, suffering from a severe head injury and multiple bruises, he was conscious when pulled free. The moment was met with cheers and relief from rescuers, volunteers, and bystanders alike. Dr. Quintero described the immediate medical care provided on-site: compressions, blood pressure monitoring, airway management, and protection against hypothermia. These interventions were critical in stabilizing Omar before his transport to a nearby hospital. However, the ordeal was far from over. When attempts were made to extract Paula, it became clear that her right leg was severely crushed under a column of concrete. The situation escalated rapidly, with heightened tension among the rescue workers. Dr. Quintero faced one of the most difficult decisions of the day: whether to proceed with an extraction that would risk further harm to Paula or attempt to stabilize her condition in place. With time running out and the risks increasing, the team opted to perform an urgent surgical procedure on-site to address the life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, the broader community in Cali and surrounding regions rallied together in support of the victims. Volunteers, medical professionals, and local authorities coordinated efforts to provide aid, shelter, and emotional support. The city’s hospitals, including the University Hospital San José, played a crucial role in treating the injured. The resilience shown by the people of Cali was evident in the collective effort to save lives and rebuild. In parallel, the Center for Animal Welfare in Cali transformed into a unified command center during the crisis. Over 70 animals were rescued from the rubble, many suffering serious injuries. Veterinarians from Medellín, Popayán, and several universities joined forces with environmental police, civil defense, and animal rights organizations to treat the wounded pets. More than 97 tons of food were collected within the first week, and over 74 animals had already been adopted following a formal declaration of abandonment. Despite the progress, challenges remain. The Center continues to seek donations of food, beds, and volunteer assistance, particularly from individuals with veterinary expertise or knowledge of pet care. The ongoing need for resources underscores the long-term impact of the disaster on both human and animal populations. As the days pass, the story of survival and solidarity in Cali continues to unfold. The efforts of medical teams, volunteers, and communities have saved lives and offered hope amid tragedy. Yet, the road to recovery is still long, and the lessons learned will shape future preparedness in the face of disasters.