Engineer uses structural knowledge to help earthquake victims

On August 22, 2026, the work of a civil engineer specialized in structures gained prominence after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the region. Sebastián Suárez used his technical knowledge and digital tools to assist residents whose homes were affected by the strong ground motion.

Unexpected events in Buenaventura before the tremor

Sebastián Suárez Agudelo, 27, traveled with his brother Samuel to Buenaventura with the intention of returning on August 8, 2026. However, a series of setbacks kept him there. First, he missed the boat he was supposed to catch at the beach. Later, upon returning to the San Luis Hotel, he discovered his car had been towed by traffic authorities because it was parked over the establishment's damaged water supply lid.

Without water at the hotel and after spending part of their budget, the brothers had to stay at another, cheaper location. It was precisely on August 10, 2026, while walking to buy water, that the strong tremor began to be felt in the streets. Sebastián reported that he noticed a distinct vibration and that the movement increased exponentially, causing widespread panic and the collapse of walls and dust from nearby buildings.

Assessing damage and starting volunteer work

After the earthquake stopped, the engineer deduced it was a shallow subduction earthquake. On his way back to try to find his impounded vehicle, he noticed several homes with minor damage. The first residence he evaluated was next to the traffic office, where he found damaged non-structural walls and a loose wall that posed a danger to the neighbors.

With his training from the Universidad del Valle and experience in the G7 research group evaluating reinforced concrete under seismic loads, he began guiding residents on how to shore up what was dangerous. After retrieving his car from a lot near sea level, Sebastián and his brother undertook a difficult return to Cali, dodging debris and facing chaos on the roads.

The return to Cali and structural collapses

Upon arriving in Cali on August 22, 2026, the brothers found the city dark and in a panic. The engineer noted that the Ariguaní building was one of more than 20 structures that completely collapsed, resulting in eight deaths and three rescues. On the first day, Sebastián helped pull one of the victims from beneath the rubble around 4:30 in the morning.

Determined to use his expertise on the buildings that were still standing, he brought a helmet, boots, and a face mask to see how he could help. He worked alongside UNGRD officials and began receiving photos and messages from residents via social media to organize visits based on the severity of the damage.

Using social media for humanitarian aid

Encouraged by his brother Samuel during the initial assessments, Sebastián began posting videos explaining the conditions of the affected buildings. The initiative generated immediate public interest on the internet, causing his account to surpass 10,000 followers and one million views in just over a week.

Even exhausted after the intense days in Buenaventura and Cali, the professional dedicated long hours to analyzing dozens of structures in neighborhoods such as Pampalinda and Cuarto de Legua, combining his academic background and digital reach to inform and guide the population affected by the earthquake.

With information from El Tiempo.