Colombia mourns 281 dead as earthquake recovery shifts to rebuilding phase
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake has killed at least 281 people, injured nearly 4,000 more, and left over 100,000 displaced, with rescue operations giving way to a national reconstruction effort.
Colombia is in mourning after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake tore through the country, leaving at least 281 people dead and close to 4,000 injured. Hundreds remain missing, and damage is concentrated in cities including Pereira and Cali, according to government figures and international coverage.
Rescue operations are winding down as authorities pivot from emergency response to a longer-term rebuilding phase. More than 100,000 people have been affected by the disaster, making it one of the most significant natural catastrophes to hit Colombia in recent memory.
State airline SATENA has been flying tons of humanitarian aid to Quibdó and Buenaventura to reach affected communities in the Pacific and western regions. Colpensiones has also begun reopening five pension service offices that were shuttered due to earthquake damage, signaling a gradual restoration of public services.
Julián Buitrago has been named as the new director of the Departamento Nacional de Planeación, a key administrative post as the government coordinates the national recovery response.
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Reportado por El Paisa, nuestro corresponsal colombiano.
