Colombia is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that killed at least 285 people and affected more than 100,000 CALI, Colombia -- As the search for survivors in the rubble of a devastating earthquake winds down, Colombia faces another challenge: rebuilding a nation shattered by a disaster that killed at least 285 people and affected more than 100,000. Tens of thousands of houses were damaged or destroyed, according to the government. Authorities have also reported damage to thousands of schools, medical facilities and community centers in more than 400 cities.
Morales is one of the 102,263 people whose lives have been upended by the 7.4 magnitude quake that struck the South American country Monday. The government says more than 280 people died, nearly 4,000 people were injured and hundreds remain missing. Private groups estimate the number of missing is in the thousands.
Like tens of thousands of others, Morales is trying to rebuild his life from scratch with his wife and four children. Many houses were damaged, and buildings collapsed,” he said. De la Espriella acknowledged Thursday night that “the situation is complex” and announced a plan to partner with private companies to rebuild the nation, as well as subsidies for families who are homeless.
Government aid has yet to arrive in some areas, where many people are relying on volunteers and neighbors for help. But rebuilding the country requires a “serious technical assessment” to determine which buildings can be used, which can be repaired and which must be demolished and rebuilt, said Yezid Alvarado Vargas, a professor in construction engineering at Javeriana University, in Bogota, Colombia. Local authorities opened schools, parks and public buildings as shelters, providing tents, mattresses and food to the displaced.
In other parts of the hardest-hit cities, residents improvised shelters in the streets, while hundreds of volunteers rush to help those in greatest need, particularly in less accessible areas. De la Espriella is expected to visit several cities Friday to track relief efforts and aid distribution, including Quibdo, in the Chocó region, and Pereira. Meanwhile, authorities are awaiting tons of supplies and humanitarian aid from countries that have pledged their support, among them Peru, China, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Suarez reported from Bogota, Colombia and Batschke reported from Santiago, Chile. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events
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