Colombia earthquake kills 289 people; criticism of new government's response

[São Paulo Current Affairs] One week has passed since the magnitude (M) 7+ earthquake that occurred in Colombia, South America on the 10th. According to the government, 289 people died and more than 4,100 people were injured. President de la Espriella, who has been busy responding to the disaster since his fourth day in office, visited disaster-stricken areas and energetically disseminated information. On the other hand, there have been reports of confusion surrounding the initial response, and criticism has been raised that they have ``introduced politics'' into disaster response. In addition to public safety measures, which are one of its signature policies, the test for the new administration will be how to proceed with reconstruction.

◇Damage spread due to multiple factors

There are 143 people missing due to the earthquake. Search efforts are still continuing in the western regions of Cali and Pereira, which have been particularly hard hit. Approximately 186,000 people were affected and more than 26,900 houses were damaged. More than 300 aftershocks were observed, and heavy rain caused flooding in some affected areas.

Elkin Salcedo, a professor of seismology at the University of Valle in Cali, said, ``The damage was severe due to multiple factors, including the ground and structure of the buildings.'' The western state of Chocó, the epicenter of the earthquake, has a large population of Africans and indigenous peoples, and due to economic reasons, many of the houses are not built to meet earthquake-resistance standards. In rural areas where left-wing guerrilla remnants and other armed organizations are strong, many residents have moved to urban areas. As a result, in urban areas, ``houses were built even on land that was not suitable for habitation.''

◇ Criticism of “selling name”

It is reported that at the time of the earthquake, the change in leadership of the disaster response agency due to the inauguration of a new government had not been completed. There appears to have been some disagreements with the new administration at the beginning of the response, including regarding the acceptance of aid from overseas.

So far, aid has been received from about 20 countries, but the government has only allowed countries with close ties to the new administration, such as the United States and Israel, to accept relief teams. A rescue team dispatched by the leftist Mexican government refused to accept them, citing a lack of "credentials."

Mr. de la Espriella has his wife in charge of collecting donations from companies, and some believe that he is using the disaster to ``promote his family's reputation.'' Opposition parties have stepped up their criticism, and if dissatisfaction and concerns spread among citizens, there is a possibility that future management of the government will be affected.