Colombia earthquake: Housing minister faces backlash for beach trip amid crisis

Colombian Housing Minister Jaime Andrés Beltrán ignited public anger by vacationing on a Caribbean beach just days after a powerful earthquake devastated the country's west. Photos and videos circulating on social media showed Beltrán enjoying time with his family in Santa Marta while thousands of earthquake victims were still living in tents.

The timing of the minister's getaway, occurring only days after the August 10 earthquake, one of the nation's most destructive in recent years, sparked sharp criticism from the left-wing opposition. They accused Beltrán of neglecting his duties during a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly given his direct responsibility for housing policy.

The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.4, claimed nearly 300 lives and destroyed approximately 27,000 homes. The disaster struck just three days after the new government, led by conservative Abelardo de la Espriella, took office.

Responding to the outcry, Minister Beltrán took to social media to defend his actions. He stated that he had not been on vacation but had spent a few hours with his wife and children, whom he had not seen for days. He asserted that he immediately returned to his duties after the brief family time. Despite his explanation, opposition parties announced their intention to file a no-confidence motion against him.