After the earthquake that affected Cali and surrounding communities on August 10, 2026, recovery involves more than repairing buildings. Families, tenants, homeowners and businesses must also find trustworthy information, preserve evidence and identify the correct institution for each need.
For foreign residents, the process may be especially difficult because official communications and policy documents are usually in Spanish. The following framework separates three channels that are often confused.
1. Official Disaster Registration and the RUD
The Registro Único de Damnificados, or RUD, is used by competent local authorities to identify affected households and record reported damage. Residents do not create the official registration themselves. If a household has not been visited or counted, it should contact the municipality through an official channel and request guidance, a visit and, when appropriate, inclusion in the census.
A useful written request should identify household members, the affected address, contact information, the damage suffered and the person's relationship to the property. Attach photographs, videos and available proof of ownership, tenancy or occupancy. Ask for a filing number and retain a complete copy.
Registration may be necessary for certain recovery programs, but it does not guarantee a payment or benefit. Eligibility depends on the program and the authorities responsible for it.
2. ADRES Benefits Are Not Property Insurance
ADRES administers specific health-related claims connected to catastrophic events. Depending on the legal requirements and evidence, these may involve death compensation, funeral expenses, permanent disability and qualifying health services.
ADRES does not compensate earthquake damage to a home, business premises, furniture or infrastructure. Families should not confuse a health-related ADRES claim with a private property-insurance claim. Each route has its own claimant, documents and procedure.
3. Private Insurance Depends on the Policy
A home, commercial or condominium policy may include earthquake or tremor coverage, but the scope varies. Coverage may have been purchased directly, connected to a mortgage or lease, or arranged for common areas through a condominium. The existence of insurance does not mean every loss is covered.
Request the complete policy and review building and contents coverage, fire following earthquake, business interruption, debris removal, temporary accommodation, deductibles, exclusions and underinsurance provisions. Owners, tenants, lenders and condominium administrators may cover different interests.
What Affected Residents Should Do Now
- Put safety first. Do not enter a structure declared unsafe; request a technical assessment through the appropriate authority.
- Notify the insurer promptly. Ask for written confirmation and a claim or notice reference number.
- Document before changing the scene. Take dated photos and videos and prepare an inventory by room or business area.
- Preserve proof. Keep invoices, prior photos, ownership or lease records, repair estimates and communications.
- Prevent further loss safely. Record emergency measures and expenses, but do not discard damaged items before documenting them or receiving instructions.
- Separate each process. Municipal registration, ADRES and private insurance are different routes; one filing does not automatically activate another.
Reliable Information Supports Recovery
In an emergency, incomplete messages spread quickly. Verify announcements through official channels, avoid paying unnecessary intermediaries for free public procedures and be cautious with anyone promising guaranteed benefits. Bilingual legal support can help English-speaking residents understand notices, organize evidence and communicate with Colombian institutions without replacing the technical assessment or the insurer's evaluation.
Official resources: UNGRD frequently asked questions; ADRES claims procedures; Superintendencia Financiera insurance guidance.
This guide offers general information and does not replace individualized legal, insurance, engineering or emergency advice.