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Lina Marcela Valencia and Ana Maria Garcia Rubio provide legal guidance for earthquake victims in Colombia

The administration of Cali has provided free legal advice to more than 150 families to resolve rental contract conflicts and housing issues following a recent earthquake. Lina Marcela Valencia, representing the Secretariat of Security and Justice, explained that the city is assisting residents in determining whether to terminate contracts due to unhabitability or negotiate rent reductions for properties with minor damage. Simultaneously, Ana Maria Garcia Rubio, director of the Law Consultatory and Dispute Resolution Center at the University of La Sabana, announced that the university has enabled virtual legal guidance for earthquake victims. This service covers insurance claims, mortgage credits, and survivor pensions. The municipal administration also clarified that official inspections are primarily preventive. Property owners with insurance are encouraged to contact their providers directly to initiate claims, as the city's technical evaluations do not replace the detailed structural studies required by private insurers. Residents are advised to document damages with photos and videos before beginning permanent repairs.

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