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Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 265; president declares economic emergency
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic /Disasters & Emergencies

Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 265; president declares economic emergency

From Diario Libre · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A powerful earthquake in Colombia has killed 265 people and injured 3,494, with 496 still missing.
  • President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an economic emergency to manage the crisis, which has affected over 53,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes.
  • The government plans to establish a reconstruction fund and offer financial relief to affected families and businesses.

A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake has rocked Colombia, leaving a trail of destruction and a rising death toll. As of Wednesday, the tremor has claimed 265 lives, injured 3,494, and left 496 people missing, according to President Abelardo de la Espriella. The disaster has displaced 25,872 families, impacting over 53,000 individuals.

We have 25,872 affected families, 53,816 people, unfortunately 265 deceased, 3,494 injured, and the number of missing has risen alarmingly to 496.

— Abelardo de la EspriellaPresident Abelardo de la Espriella announced the latest casualty figures and the extent of the damage.

In response to the crisis, President De la Espriella declared an "economic emergency." This constitutional mechanism will enable the creation of a "miracle fund" to channel resources for rebuilding critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and transportation hubs. The emergency declaration also allows for temporary relief measures for affected families, such as assistance with utility payments, rental subsidies, and financial aid for vulnerable populations and small businesses.

I inform the country: I have decided to use the economic emergency, a mechanism contemplated by the Constitution, to be able to face this crisis as appropriate.

— Abelardo de la EspriellaPresident De la Espriella explained the decision to declare an economic emergency to manage the earthquake crisis.

The earthquake's impact is extensive, with 11,347 homes destroyed and 53,526 damaged. Additionally, 140 buildings have collapsed, and numerous educational and community centers have sustained damage. The president acknowledged the "enormous" scale of the devastation, noting that it occurs during a period of "fiscal crisis" for Colombia. Efforts are now focused on locating the missing, with international aid beginning to arrive.

The impact is enormous and requires great determination and political will from the Government.

— Abelardo de la EspriellaPresident De la Espriella described the scale of the disaster and the government's commitment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Diario Libre in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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