Colombian government launches rental subsidies for earthquake victims

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced a new rental subsidy program to house families who lost their homes in Colombia's recent magnitude 7.4 earthquake. The program will initially aid about 1,150 families in Manizales, the capital of Caldas department, where the earthquake caused significant damage.

During an inspection visit to Manizales, the president detailed the assistance measures. He stated that the national government activated a mechanism to implement the rental subsidy, providing temporary shelter for those whose homes were destroyed. The measure aims to offer families a respite during this difficult time.

The rental subsidy scheme will also be implemented in Risaralda, one of the areas most affected by the seismic event. Local authorities report thousands of damaged or destroyed properties in the region. The earthquake's epicenter was located by the Colombian Geological Service near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department.

As of the latest government reports, the national death toll stands at 181, though departmental figures suggest at least 240 fatalities. The president's visit to Manizales is part of his territorial agenda to monitor rescue efforts and the delivery of humanitarian aid, following previous trips to Quibdó, Cali, and Pereira.