Colombia Economic Emergency Declared After Deadly Earthquake

President Abelardo De la Espriella signed Decree 1261 of 2026, declaring a 30-day state of economic, social and ecological emergency in 15 departments after the 10 August earthquake.

“What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over,” Shakira told journalists. “Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.”

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said rebuilding areas devastated by recent magnitude 7.4 earthquake will cost more than $9.5 billion.

Recovery is underway on Indonesia's Flores island after a 7.7 quake killed dozens. Damaged roads and 1,600 aftershocks complicate aid deliveries to residents sleeping outside.