Pereira, the ‘zombie city’ devastated by Colombia’s earthquake

On August 11, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Colombian city of Pereira, leaving at least 240 dead and causing widespread devastation. Jorge Gonzalez, a 35-year-old volunteer, spent the night sifting through the rubble in search of his 87-year-old aunt, Nubia Bonilla. Despite his relentless efforts, the grim reality is that she is likely no longer alive. The city, once bustling with life, now resembles a "zombie city," with streets strewn with glass, bricks, and debris.

Residents are grappling with a shortage of water, food, and electricity. The loss is not limited to human lives; hundreds of homes have collapsed or been severely damaged. Many families are left homeless, forced to sleep on sidewalks and relying on the kindness of strangers. The trauma of the earthquake is still fresh, with memories of past disasters, such as the 1999 quake that claimed nearly 1,200 lives, still etched in the collective consciousness.

Jesus Pineros, a 28-year-old construction worker, shares the same sorrow as his family's home was destroyed in the quake. He and his siblings and nephews took refuge with relatives, only to face this new catastrophe. The resilience of the community is evident as they rebuild their lives for the second time, starting from scratch. Despite the heartache and loss, there is hope that the city will rise again, just as it has done before.