# Colombia earthquake reconstruction efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-earthquake-reconstruction-efforts
> Updated: 2026-09-06T23:00:38.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

Following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake on August 10, which resulted in 331 deaths and an estimated $9.5 billion in damages, President Abelardo de la Espriella has expanded reconstruction efforts across Colombia.

In Buga, the government allocated 2.5 billion pesos to repair over 100 homes and 1.2 billion pesos for the Basílica del Señor de los Milagros, while seeking an additional 5 billion pesos from the private sector for the basilica’s restoration. 

For the Chocó department, the administration has launched a ‘Plan Marshall’ structured around five pillars: infrastructure and interoceanic connectivity, road and airport investment, entrepreneurship support, sustainable tourism, and economic incentives. The government has pledged 1 trillion pesos for infrastructure, including a boardwalk in Quibdó and studies for an interoceanic canal and railway corridor connecting the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Funding for these projects is expected to come from national resources, private contributions, and the ‘Works for Taxes’ mechanism. Key connectivity improvements are planned for Quibdó, San José del Palmar, Istmina, and the Bahía Solano airport.

To foster entrepreneurship, a 5 billion peso fund will provide seed capital to 1,000 affected individuals, supported by entities such as Bancolombia, Tecnoglass, and iNNpulsa. To assist victims financially, the government is negotiating with business leaders to reduce annual mortgage interest rates to 8%. Additionally, the administration is implementing a special mining regime to encourage formal, responsible extraction. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid continues in remote areas, such as the Wounaan communities in Pichimá, where PU Prime and the ABACO food bank have mobilized emergency hygiene and baby care supplies.

## Claims

- President Abelardo de la Espriella announced a ‘Marshall Plan’ for the reconstruction of Chocó. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The earthquake that hit Chocó on August 10 had a magnitude of 7.4. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The government has allocated 1 trillion Colombian pesos for infrastructure and connectivity in Chocó. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The reconstruction plan includes studies for an interoceanic canal and a railway corridor. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- A 5 billion peso fund will be provided for seed capital to 1,000 entrepreneurs. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- PU Prime provided emergency supplies to 34 families in Chocó through the ABACO food bank. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The earthquake occurred on August 10 at 07:34 local time. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, Chocó. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The earthquake resulted in 331 deaths. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The disaster affected 466,709 people across 16 departments. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The government aims to reduce mortgage interest rates for earthquake victims to 8% annually. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Chocó reconstruction: President de la Espriella announces ‘Marshall Plan’

President Abelardo de la Espriella has launched a ‘Marshall Plan’ to reconstruct Chocó following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, proposing an interoceanic canal and 1 trillion pesos in infrastructure investment.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-de-la-espriella-announces-reconstruction-plan-for-choc

### 2026-09-05: President Abelardo de la Espriella announces Buga reconstruction plan

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced reconstruction funds for Buga following an earthquake, including housing and basilica repairs, amid strict local security and mobility restrictions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-abelardo-de-la-espriella-announces-buga-reconstruction-plan

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Cite as: Colombia earthquake reconstruction efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-earthquake-reconstruction-efforts