Some 25,000 people are seeking housing in Cali two weeks after Colombia's earthquake
The municipal survey in Cali, Colombia's third city with more than two million inhabitants, now covers 10,000 families affected by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake of August 10 and estimates around 25,000 people have been left without adequate housing. Many have spent recent days in shelters or with relatives while searching for a rental, in a market strained by the sudden loss of supply.
Two weeks following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Cali, Colombia, approximately 25,000 individuals are currently in need of housing, according to a municipal survey. Mayor Alejandro Eder had previously expressed concern over a potential doubling of rents in some areas, requesting a temporary rent freeze from the national government.
The survey assessed 920 buildings, with 56 collapsing. The majority of damaged properties are concentrated in commune 19, where nearly 200 properties may be demolished. Many residents have sought accommodation in shelters or with relatives while searching for rentals, as the housing market has become strained due to the sudden loss of supply.
Rents have reportedly increased in every neighborhood, with some landlords raising prices by 25% to 30%. However, available data suggests that the impact is localized, with some neighborhoods experiencing a decrease in prices.
Written by urgent.news from MercoPress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
