Colombia's Housing Minister Criticized for Beach Trip Amid Earthquake Crisis

Colombia's newly appointed Housing Minister, Jaime Andrés Beltrán, is under fire for taking a beach vacation with his family amidst a severe housing crisis triggered by a powerful earthquake. The 7.4 magnitude quake has devastated western Colombia, claiming nearly 300 lives and leaving thousands homeless, with many sleeping in tents or improvised shelters.

Photographs and videos circulated online showing Beltrán relaxing on a Caribbean beach in Santa Marta during the long weekend and holiday Monday. This occurred as the nation struggled with the aftermath of the disaster, which struck just three days after Beltrán assumed office. The opposition has announced plans to initiate a no-confidence vote against him for allegedly neglecting his duties during this critical period.

Beltrán, however, defended his actions, asserting he was not on vacation but merely spent a few hours with his wife and children, whom he had not seen in days. He stated he immediately resumed his work to consolidate reconstruction phases in the earthquake-affected areas. He also posted on social media, emphasizing his commitment as both a minister and a father, stating, "Building homes is as important as sustaining homes, from love, example, and respect."

Meanwhile, the humanitarian emergency deepens as hope dwindles for finding survivors under the rubble a week after the earthquake. President Abelardo de la Espriella has made brief visits to the most affected zones, announcing rent subsidies for those displaced. However, his visit to Chocó, the poorest department and the earthquake's epicenter, drew criticism when he distributed soccer balls with his presidential campaign slogan, "Firmes por la patria," to residents whose homes and infrastructure had collapsed.