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NewsWPLG Local 10 – EspañolAugust 14, 2026Miami-Dade

President Abelardo de la Espriella declares national disaster and economic emergency following 7.4 magnitude earthquake

President de la Espriella has declared a national disaster and economic emergency to bypass Congress and implement temporary taxes for earthquake recovery. These funds will support the 'Fondo Milagro' to rebuild hospitals, schools, homes, and infrastructure in affected regions, particularly Chocó.

disaster reliefearthquakeemergency managementinfrastructurehousingpublic health
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Why It Matters

The declaration allows the government to bypass legislative approval to raise taxes and allocate emergency funding for the reconstruction of over 12,800 destroyed homes and 2,200 damaged schools.

Key Facts

  • A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia with its epicenter in Chocó.
  • The death toll is at least 287 people.
  • Over 102,000 people are officially classified as victims (damnificados).
  • 12,800 homes are destroyed and 73,400 homes are damaged.
  • 2,200 educational centers were damaged.
  • The President declared a national disaster and economic emergency to raise taxes without Congressional approval.
  • Funds will be directed to the 'Fondo Milagro' for infrastructure reconstruction.
  • Search and rescue operations are ongoing 96 hours post-quake, with international teams from Venezuela, Argentina, and Israel assisting.
  • 60% of communities in Roldanillo lack access to potable water.
  • The government has promised rental subsidies and financial support for those who lost their homes.

Who's Mentioned

otherFondo Milagro“Government reconstruction fund”personMaría Mercedes Liévano“Director of Save the Children Colombia”personAbelardo de la Espriella“President of Colombia”personYezid Alvarado Vargas“Engineering expert, Universidad Javeriana”personMauricio Salazar“Mayor of Pereira”personEbert Jonathan Morales“Earthquake survivor”locationChocó“Epicenter of the earthquake”locationCali“City with significant damage and shelters”