Colombia proposes 'Marshall Plan' for earthquake-hit Chocó as rescue efforts continue

President Abelardo de la Espriella has proposed a "Marshall Plan" for Colombia's Chocó department, one of the nation's poorest regions and the epicenter of a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake. De la Espriella, who recently took office, made the proposal during a visit to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, criticizing past neglect by the central government.

"Chocó has been abandoned to its fate by the centralism of power in Bogotá, as if it did not exist," the president stated, highlighting the region's historical marginalization. He returned to the area after an initial visit earlier in the week, aiming to spur reconstruction efforts following the strongest earthquake recorded in Colombia this century.

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I want to propose a special plan, a 'Marshall Plan' for Chocó. Chocó has been abandoned to its fate by the centralism of power in Bogotá, as if it did not exist.

The earthquake, which struck four days prior, has resulted in 285 confirmed deaths and 379 people still missing. Thousands more are injured and displaced, with over 12,000 homes destroyed or damaged. The World Bank has committed $200 million in aid to support the recovery.

In Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities, de la Espriella described the situation as "apocalyptic" but expressed confidence in the nation's resilience. "Colombians are accustomed to rising to the occasion in the face of adversity," he said, vowing that the current crisis would not overwhelm the country. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities extending the window for finding survivors in Cali.

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To tour the center of Pereira, to tour the city, it breaks one's heart. But we Colombians are accustomed to rising to the occasion in the face of adversity (...) and believe me, this situation will not be too much for us.