ON
← Back to feed
Earthquake in Cali: journalist Carlos Andrés Aponte confirmed that his parents and his niece were found dead after several hours of searching
CO🏛️ PoliticsCenter6 days ago

Earthquake in Cali: journalist Carlos Andrés Aponte confirmed that his parents and his niece were found dead after several hours of searching

A powerful earthquake struck Cali, Colombia on August 10, resulting in the tragic deaths of journalist Carlos Andrés Aponte's parents and his 11-year-old niece. The family was trapped inside their collapsed home, which suffered severe structural damage during the quake. Carlos Andrés, who was in Bogotá at the time, returned to Cali in a desperate attempt to locate his relatives. Rescue teams discovered the bodies of his father, Carlos Arturo Aponte, and his niece, Iliana Giraldo Aponte, in the bathroom of their apartment. According to the family's account, the grandfather had tried to shield the child with his body during the collapse. The emotional moment was captured by rescuers who found the girl beneath her grandfather’s body, highlighting a touching act of protection amidst the devastation. This tragedy underscores the human cost of natural disasters and the resilience of families in times of crisis.

On Monday, August 10, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck Cali, Colombia, triggering widespread panic and devastation. Among the many tragic stories emerging from the disaster was one of desperate pleas and heroic rescue efforts. A woman trapped beneath collapsed concrete and glass, with her dog, was found after hours of manual labor by police officers who had no tools other than their hands. The incident unfolded in the Capri neighborhood, where the ground shook violently, sending buildings toppling and trapping dozens inside. The woman, whose identity has not been officially released, was discovered under debris from a collapsed building on carrera 72 with calle 10 Bis. According to reports, she was initially identified by police officer Sebastián Daza of the Metropolitan Police of Cali, who described the scene as chaotic and filled with dust and the smell of gas. As the rescue operation began, the woman, overwhelmed by fear and pain, pleaded with the officers to remove her from the rubble, even suggesting they cut off her leg to free her. Daza recounted how the team worked tirelessly, using only their bare hands to clear the path, as no equipment was available. The effort was further complicated by the presence of the woman’s pet, which remained trapped alongside her. After several hours of painstaking work, the pair were finally freed around 8:48 a.m. They were taken to a medical facility for treatment. This case highlights the extreme conditions faced by both victims and rescuers during the crisis. The emotional toll on the rescuers was evident, as they described the physical and psychological challenges of working in such a dangerous environment. The incident also underscored the bravery of ordinary citizens who joined forces with emergency workers to aid those trapped. In another part of the city, the tragedy extended beyond individual stories to affect entire families. The family of renowned journalist Carlos Andrés Aponte was among those lost. His father, Carlos Arturo Aponte, his mother, Estela Marín, and his 11-year-old niece, Iliana Giraldo Aponte, were found dead in the ruins of their home in the Capri neighborhood. The bodies were recovered after extensive search operations that lasted several hours. According to Aponte, the family had gathered just days before the quake for a birthday celebration, marking a poignant contrast between joy and sorrow. The collapse of the building left the family devastated. Aponte described how the structure had crumbled so severely that different levels of the apartment were mixed together. The bodies of his parents and niece were found in the bathroom, with the father reportedly shielding the child with his body during the collapse. This act of selflessness became a symbol of love and sacrifice amid the chaos. The emotional impact on the community was profound, with neighbors and rescuers offering support and solidarity during this difficult time. Meanwhile, in the historic church of La Merced, located in the Versailles district, the earthquake caused partial damage to the centuries-old structure. Built over 484 years ago, the church is considered one of the oldest in Cali and holds immense cultural significance. Despite its age, the building stood firm during the quake, though parts of the roof collapsed, raising concerns about structural integrity. The church, which houses religious relics including the Virgin of Mercy, remains under observation by authorities, who have called for urgent preservation measures to protect its historical value. Across the city, residents shared accounts of the earthquake's sudden and violent arrival. Many described the moment the ground shook as a terrifying experience, with some recalling the sound of breaking glass and the sight of people running for safety. Others spoke of the confusion that followed, as communication systems failed and emergency services struggled to respond effectively. The city, known for its vibrant nightlife and constant noise, fell into eerie silence as the earth trembled. As the days passed, the focus shifted toward recovery and rebuilding. Local authorities and volunteers worked together to clear debris, provide shelter, and offer medical assistance to those affected. The resilience of the community shone through, with many stepping up to help their neighbors in need. Despite the loss of life and property, there was a collective determination to move forward and rebuild stronger. The earthquake served as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the fragility of human structures. It also highlighted the importance of preparedness and the role of individuals in times of crisis. As the situation continues to evolve, the story of Cali remains one of both tragedy and hope, a testament to the strength of its people in the face of adversity.

Go to the primary sources (3)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

8 reports

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8510 days ago
Get me out of here and cut off my leg: the desperate plea of a woman trapped in the rubble after the earthquake in Cali

A woman trapped under rubble after an earthquake in Cali made desperate pleas for rescue, including asking rescuers to cut off her leg to free her. Police officers, including Sebastián Daza from the Metropolitan Police of Cali, conducted a manual rescue operation without tools due to the lack of equipment and the dangerous conditions at the site. The woman was found alongside her pet dog, both trapped in the collapsed building. Rescuers worked tirelessly through the morning hours before successfully extracting them around 8:48 AM on August 10. Both were taken to a medical facility for treatment. The incident highlights the severity of the earthquake's impact and the dedication of emergency personnel.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a rescue operation during a natural disaster, focusing on the efforts of emergency responders and the tragic circumstances faced by victims. There is no overt ideological framing or emphasis on political agendas. The narrative remains neutral, emphasizing on

Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes the rescue operation and the desperate plea of the trapped woman. It includes direct quotes from the police officer involved and aligns with other reports of similar incidents. The facts are well-supported and consistent with the primary document.

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the incident objectively, focusing on the rescue efforts and the woman’s words. Emotional language is used appropriately to convey the gravity of the situation without overstepping into editorializing.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8011 days ago
Mayor Alejandro Eder makes a desperate plea to Cali: You can make a difference to save more lives

Following a devastating earthquake with its epicenter in Chocó, Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali urgently appealed to citizens in affected areas to maintain complete silence to aid rescue efforts. He emphasized that reducing noise would allow rescuers to hear potential signals from people trapped under debris. Eder also urged residents to follow instructions from emergency organizations and highlighted the importance of collaboration in saving lives. Rescue teams are using both canine units and technological sensors to locate survivors. The mayor announced strict traffic restrictions, known as 'pico y placa,' to facilitate the movement of emergency teams during the critical 36-48 hour window for rescue operations.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a natural disaster and the response by local authorities, which is inherently a matter of public safety and governance. However, the content does not exhibit clear ideological bias. It reports on the actions of the mayor and rescue efforts without overtly favoring any specific

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the mayor’s call for silence during rescue operations, including quotes from officials and explanations of why silence is important. It aligns with the primary source document and provides relevant context about the rescue process.

Why objectivity (80): The tone is supportive and encouraging, urging citizens to assist in the rescue efforts. While there is some emotional appeal, it remains respectful and factual.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7012 days ago
Journalist Carlos Aponte lives the earthquake from the other side: his parents and niece are trapped under the rubble

Journalist Carlos Aponte, who has covered news extensively, now finds himself on the other side of the tragedy after his parents and 10-year-old niece were trapped under rubble following a strong earthquake in Cali, Colombia, on August 10. The family was in a bathroom of their apartment before the building collapsed. Aponte described how his sister had left the child with his elderly parents, who were caring for her. He mentioned that rescue teams used thermal cameras, which showed three people and two pets possibly alive, giving hope they might still be alive. Aponte expressed gratitude to those helping during the emergency and urged solidarity amid the crisis.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a personal tragedy involving a journalist whose family is affected by a natural disaster. It does not present any political positions, policies, or controversies. The content is primarily emotional and informational, providing updates on the situation without taking a stance.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the situation of journalist Carlos Aponte whose family members are trapped under rubble following the earthquake. It includes specific details like his parents and niece being trapped, the location of the building collapse, and mentions the use of thermal cameras. Howe

Why objectivity (70): The article has an emotional tone, using phrases like 'del otro lado, del de los afectados' and emphasizing the personal tragedy of the journalist. While it provides factual information, it frames the story through the lens of the journalist’s personal experience, which may introduce some bias.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 658 days ago
Survivors of the earthquake in Cali tell how it all happened: The building fell on us, we lost everything

A powerful earthquake struck Cali on August 10, affecting several neighborhoods, particularly in the southern part of the city. In the neighborhood of Nueva Tequendama, residents like Armando Carrillo and his wife were trapped inside their apartment building, which collapsed partially during the quake. Armando described the intense shaking and the desperate decision to move toward the balcony for safety. They were trapped under debris for approximately 40 minutes before being rescued by neighbors. The disaster resulted in multiple casualties, including individuals such as Vicky, an attorney, and another woman known as 'La Mona,' who were still missing at the time of the report. Survivors recounted the chaos and loss, highlighting both the immediate danger and the ongoing emotional impact of the tragedy.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a natural disaster and its human impact, presenting survivor accounts without overt ideological framing. While it mentions government actions indirectly (e.g., the hospital receiving investment), there is no clear political leaning in the narrative. The emphasis is on personal

Why factuality (80): The article includes survivor accounts and descriptions of damage in Cali, which are plausible but not independently verified. While it provides valuable firsthand narratives, some details may lack confirmation from official sources.

Why objectivity (65): The article uses emotive storytelling ('ni baño ni marcos de las puertas') and focuses on personal experiences, which may reduce its neutrality. It balances this with factual reporting of rescue efforts and community responses.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 709 days ago
They ask to save the 484-year-old La Merced church, the oldest in Cali, which was damaged by the August 10 earthquake.

On August 10, a powerful earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, causing significant damage to historic La Merced Church, the oldest church in the city and one of the earliest built by Spanish friars in the Americas. The quake collapsed part of the church’s roof during morning Mass but did not result in injuries. Survivors described scenes of chaos, including damaged buildings and failed communications. The church, which dates back to 1536 and was completed in 1542, remains standing despite structural damage to its walls. Religious figures and locals expressed concern over the preservation of this culturally significant site.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a natural disaster and its impact on a historical religious site. While the church has cultural significance, the piece does not take a clear ideological stance or emphasize political implications. It presents the event factually, focusing on the physical damage and reactions,

Why factuality (75): The article provides specific details about the earthquake occurring on August 10 at 7:34 a.m. and mentions the collapse of part of the roof during Mass, but does not explicitly reference the primary source document about cookies. It focuses on the event itself rather than website policies.

Why objectivity (70): The article includes emotional descriptions of people’s experiences during the earthquake, such as ‘infinito’ and ‘desplome de una parte del techo,’ which may introduce some subjectivity. However, it generally presents events as they occurred without overt bias.

La Silla Vacía logoLa Silla VacíaIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 756 days ago
Silence in the City of Noise

The article describes a seismic event that disrupted the daily life of a neighborhood in Cali, Colombia, during what would have been a quiet morning walk with the author’s dog. The earthquake, which originated 266 kilometers away in San José del Palmar, caused significant vibrations felt throughout the area, leading to panic among residents and damage to nearby structures. The incident occurred just days before the start of the Festival of Pacific Music Petronio Álvarez, highlighting the city’s reputation for loud nightlife and constant noise. The narrative contrasts the sudden silence brought by the earthquake against the usual cacophony of Cali, where music, festivals, and social gatherings are central to community life.

Bias read (Center): While the article discusses the impact of natural disasters on urban life and cultural events, it does not take a clear ideological stance. It presents the situation neutrally, focusing on the physical effects of the earthquake and the city’s noisy environment without overtly criticizing or praising

Why factuality (70): The article describes the medical response to the earthquake, referencing hospitals and medical staff involved in the crisis. It aligns with the primary source’s information about the affected areas and the scale of the disaster. However, it does not include details about donation points or the call

Why objectivity (75): The tone is empathetic and respectful, highlighting the dedication of medical personnel. While it shows concern for those affected, it remains largely neutral in its portrayal of the situation.

El Tiempo logoEl TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 559 days ago
Journalist Carlos Aponte's heartbreaking account after his family members were found under the rubble by the earthquake: 'Our family was destroyed'

The article reports on the emotional aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Colombia that claimed the lives of journalist Carlos Andrés Aponte’s parents and his 11-year-old niece. The earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, struck on August 10, 2026, causing significant damage in Cali. During rescue operations, the bodies of Aponte’s father, Carlos Arturo Aponte; mother, Estela Marín; and niece, Iliana Giraldo Aponte, were discovered under the rubble of their home in the Capri neighborhood. The journalist, who was in Bogotá at the time, returned to Cali in a race against time to be with his family. He described the emotional toll of losing his loved ones and expressed gratitude for the community’s efforts in the search and rescue operation. The article highlights both the tragedy and the resilience of those involved.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a personal account of a tragic event caused by natural disaster, focusing on the emotional impact rather than political ideology or partisan perspectives. While the incident involves government agencies and emergency services, the narrative does not take a clear ideological slue

Why factuality (70): The article includes specific details about the journalist Carlos Aponte losing family members under rubble, but these are presented as secondhand accounts rather than verified by official sources. It lacks specific data on casualties or infrastructure damage, unlike the primary source document. The

Why objectivity (55): The article has a strong emotional tone, using phrases like 'se nos desbarató la familia' (our family was shattered) and emphasizing the personal tragedy of the journalist. This framing strongly favors the victim narrative and could be seen as biased toward emotional storytelling over objective repo

El Tiempo logoEl TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 30Objective 3010 days ago
Earthquake in Cali: journalist Carlos Andrés Aponte confirmed that his parents and his niece were found dead after several hours of searching

A powerful earthquake struck Cali, Colombia on August 10, resulting in the tragic deaths of journalist Carlos Andrés Aponte's parents and his 11-year-old niece. The family was trapped inside their collapsed home, which suffered severe structural damage during the quake. Carlos Andrés, who was in Bogotá at the time, returned to Cali in a desperate attempt to locate his relatives. Rescue teams discovered the bodies of his father, Carlos Arturo Aponte, and his niece, Iliana Giraldo Aponte, in the bathroom of their apartment. According to the family's account, the grandfather had tried to shield the child with his body during the collapse. The emotional moment was captured by rescuers who found the girl beneath her grandfather’s body, highlighting a touching act of protection amidst the devastation. This tragedy underscores the human cost of natural disasters and the resilience of families in times of crisis.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a natural disaster and its personal impact, focusing on the emotional and human elements rather than political perspectives. While the event occurred in a politically significant city, the narrative does not engage with political ideologies, parties, or power

Why factuality (30): The article describes tragic family losses due to the earthquake but completely ignores the infrastructure assessment process detailed in the primary document. It focuses solely on human tragedy without mentioning the broader institutional response.

Why objectivity (30): The article is highly emotional, using phrases like 'heart-wrenching account', 'dramatic moments', and 'conveying anguish'. It presents a deeply personal perspective without balancing it with official statements or broader context.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories