Critical situation in Pereira following the devastating earthquake in Colombia
President Abelardo de la Espriella described the panorama presented by the city of Pereira as apocalyptic following the strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook Colombia last Monday. During his tour of the area, one of the hardest hit by the natural phenomenon, the president expressed his dismay at the scale of the tragedy, but highlighted the resilience of the Colombian people in the face of adversity.
Walking through the center of Pereira, walking through the city, wrinkles one’s heart. But we Colombians are used to rising to the occasion in the midst of adversity, and let’s say we have never had it easy. And believe me, this situation is not going to be too much for us.
Abelardo de la Espriella, President of Colombia
Official figures and damage assessment
According to the most recent report provided by the head of state, the capital of Risaralda accounts for a painful toll of 94 dead, 259 injured, and 260 missing. Likewise, it is estimated that 140,000 citizens, belonging to 41,600 families, have been affected. At the national level, the total balance of the earthquake, whose epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, Chocó, amounts to the following figures:
- 285 deceased people.
- 379 missing.
- 3,975 injured citizens.
- 12,828 homes totally destroyed.
Economic emergency and reconstruction plan
With the goal of initiating the recovery of the affected areas, the Government has begun the distribution of 90 tons of humanitarian aid managed by the office of the first lady, Ana Lucía Pineda. President de la Espriella emphasized that Pereira requires a special and urgent intervention.
To channel the necessary resources, both national and international, the president has declared a state of economic emergency. This measure will allow for the streamlining of funds destined for reconstruction, which will be formally presented next week as a comprehensive plan to rebuild the areas impacted by this seismic movement, considered the most serious recorded in Colombia so far this century.
