Emergency declared in 15 states after earthquake in Colombia

The government of President Abelardo de la Espriella has taken new measures to heal the wounds of the earthquake disaster and facilitate response efforts.

In the decree published by the Presidential Administrative Department (Dapre) and signed by De la Espriella, it was stated that an "economic, social and ecological emergency" was declared in 15 states for 30 days in order to eliminate the crisis and prevent the spread of the effects of the disaster.

According to the national press, with the decree, the government was given the authority to issue decrees having the force of law in order to take additional measures it deems necessary and to carry out the necessary budget arrangements and public loan transactions to implement these measures.

The death toll in the earthquake increased to 314

A statement was made from the National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) regarding the latest situation regarding the 7.4 magnitude earthquake.

Accordingly, the number of people who lost their lives in the earthquake that affected 15 states and 471 towns across the country increased to 314.

While the number of people directly affected by the disaster was recorded as 262 thousand 154, 4 thousand 437 people were injured and 262 people were still missing.

While 30 thousand 664 houses were completely destroyed in the earthquake, 136 thousand 946 houses and 302 buildings were damaged, and serious structural damage was detected in 5 thousand 809 buildings.

Miracle Fund was established

Colombian President De la Espriella, in his statement on August 18, stated that the 7.4 magnitude earthquake caused damage of 9.5 billion dollars, according to initial estimates.

De la Espriella announced that a new fund named "Miracle Fund" (Fondo Milagro) was established to manage the reconstruction process.

The fund will carry out activities based on the "Coffee Axis Reconstruction and Social Development Fund (Forec)", which was established after the earthquake in Armenia, Colombia in 1999.

The government plans to provide rental assistance, convenience in public services, new housing and housing improvement support to families who have lost their homes.

De la Espriella also called on contractors and financial institutions to support the process.