Colombia earthquake leaves 287 dead and sparks political controversy

One week after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, the official death toll stands at 287. The earthquake, which had its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, is noted as one of the strongest in the country during the 21st century.

The disaster has affected 472 municipalities across 15 departments. According to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), the impact includes 127,608 damaged homes, 26,392 destroyed homes, and 197 collapsed buildings. Over 120,000 families have been affected, with 4,147 people injured and more than 190 individuals still missing.

President Abelardo de la Espriella has taken a leadership role in the response, deploying his cabinet to various regions. However, his administration has faced significant criticism. In Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, the President drew public backlash for distributing soccer balls marked with his political party logo, ‘Defensores de la Patria’, to families who lost their homes. Critics and social organizations have condemned these actions as political proselytism, arguing that the government is prioritizing media exposure over addressing critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.