The death toll from the earthquake that shook Colombia on Monday rose to 265 and the number of injured to 3,494, while 496 people remain missing, reported the president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who declared an “economic emergency” to face the crisis caused by the earthquake.
“We have 25,872 families affected, 53,816 people, unfortunately 265 deceased, 3,494 injured and the number of missing people has risen alarmingly to 496,” De la Espriella said in a statement to the media at the San Carlos Palace, former headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Bogotá.
The president reiterated that the Government's efforts are focused mainly on locating the missing and pointed out that to do so they are acting with all their capabilities and with the international aid that is beginning to arrive in Colombia.
The emergency also leaves 11,347 homes destroyed and 53,526 damaged, as well as 140 collapsed buildings, 1,819 damaged educational centers and 631 affected community centers, according to the latest balance sheet of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) released by the president.
“Miracle Fund” for reconstruction
“I inform the country: I have decided to make use of the economic emergency, a mechanism contemplated by the Constitution, to be able to face this crisis appropriately,” said De la Espriella, who explained that the measure will allow the creation of a “miracle fund” aimed at channeling resources “for the reconstruction of hospitals, educational centers, buildings, roads and airports” affected by the earthquake.
The president explained that the Government is organizing, together with its economic team, temporary relief measures for affected families that include payment of public services, rental subsidies for those who lost their homes, tax and financial relief and economic aid for the most vulnerable families, in addition to support mechanisms for affected merchants and small business owners.
“The impact is enormous and requires great determination and political will on the part of the Government,” said De la Espriella, who added that the tragedy occurs at a time of “fiscal crisis” for Colombia.
The earthquake, of magnitude 7.4 according to the Colombian Geological Service, had its epicenter in the vicinity of San José del Palmar, in Chocó, one of the most forgotten departments in the country, and also left 53,816 people affected.
