Dosquebradas earthquake reconstruction efforts

Following a major earthquake on August 10, the municipality of Dosquebradas has initiated a reconstruction effort through a Specific Action Plan (PAE) valued at 3.8 trillion pesos. The plan encompasses over 20 projects across 12 strategic lines, targeting housing, infrastructure, education, public services, and economic reactivation.

To manage the crisis, which has reportedly affected approximately 12,000 families and left thousands of homes destroyed or uninhabitable, the Secretariat of Planning is making exceptional adjustments to the Land Management Plan (POT). These updates aim to incorporate safe soil zones, increase buildability, and facilitate urban renewal and the legalization of affected settlements. Local officials are seeking assistance from the national government, international cooperation, and the private sector to support the recovery.

Nearly three months after the seismic event, authorities have removed over 42,000 tons of debris and conducted 72 demolitions. Technical assessments of more than 18,500 properties confirmed that 609 homes were completely destroyed and 4,179 buildings remain uninhabitable due to collapse risks. The reconstruction roadmap includes repairing roads and executing a complementary aqueduct project from the San José River.

Humanitarian efforts have included the distribution of approximately 500 food markets and essential supplies to families in Comuna 1, coordinated with the Bogotá Mayor’s Office and the Cáritas de Pereira Foundation. While the earthquake initially affected 53 of the municipality’s 71 official schools, 20,738 students have since returned to 63 enabled campuses.