International

Colombia declares economic emergency after devastating earthquake

10:15

By: Azzat Manal

Zoom

Colombia has declared an economic emergency following a powerful earthquake that caused extensive damage and left hundreds of people dead, as the government prepares a broad recovery and reconstruction program.

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the emergency measures, saying the government needed to accelerate the recovery of the areas affected by the disaster. The decision is intended to provide authorities with additional tools to respond to the economic and social consequences of the earthquake.

As part of the response, the government plans to establish a special fund to collect donations, including contributions from abroad. The money will be directed toward rebuilding and repairing essential infrastructure damaged by the disaster.

Priority areas include hospitals, schools, public buildings, roads and airports. The authorities are also expected to introduce measures aimed at restoring economic activity in the worst-affected communities.

The president said the emergency framework would include initiatives designed to encourage investment, remove obstacles to reconstruction projects and create new employment opportunities in affected regions.

The government is also preparing direct assistance for residents who suffered losses as a result of the earthquake. Additional support is expected to be provided to small businesses in an effort to protect livelihoods and help local economies recover.

The disaster occurred on August 10, when a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near the city of San José del Palmar in Colombia's western Chocó department. The region experienced significant damage, while emergency services launched rescue and relief operations.

According to the latest figures cited by Colombian authorities, at least 265 people have died. The number of victims could change as rescue teams continue assessing affected areas and identifying the extent of the destruction.

The economic emergency is expected to facilitate the mobilization of public resources and accelerate reconstruction at a time when affected communities are facing disruptions to transportation, public services and local economic activity.

Beyond immediate relief, the government faces the longer-term challenge of rebuilding infrastructure and supporting communities as they recover from the disaster. The scale of the damage is likely to require significant public and private investment over the coming months.

The Colombian government's response will therefore combine emergency assistance with economic recovery measures, with the objective of restoring essential services, supporting affected families and helping devastated areas return to normal activity.