{"id":2567,"date":"2026-08-14T16:37:54","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T16:37:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=2567"},"modified":"2026-08-14T16:37:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T16:37:54","slug":"colombia-grapples-with-rebuilding-a-shattered-nation-after-a-deadly-earthquake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=2567","title":{"rendered":"Colombia grapples with rebuilding a shattered nation after a deadly earthquake"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

CALI, Colombia (AP) \u2014 As the search for survivors in the rubble of a devastating earthquake<\/span> winds down, Colombia faces another challenge: rebuilding a nation<\/span> shattered by a disaster that killed at least 285 people and affected more than 100,000.<\/p>\n

Read more Ukrainian drones strike a major refinery deep inside Russia, setting it ablaze<\/a><\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no place to live, we lost everything,\u201d Ebert Jonathan Morales, 38, told The Associated Press from a shelter in Cali, one of the hardest-hit cities along with Pereira, Manizales and Quibdo.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>. Private groups estimate the number of missing is in the thousands.<\/p>\n

Like tens of thousands of others, Morales is trying to rebuild his life from scratch with his wife and four children.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe earthquake destroyed several neighborhoods in the city. Many houses were damaged, and buildings collapsed,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are going to stay here until the government gives us some help, some support.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

The government focuses on providing shelter<\/h2>\n

The devastation has tested<\/span> Colombia\u2019s President Abelardo de la Espriella<\/span>, who was inaugurated just days before the earthquake shook the country\u2019s west. De la Espriella acknowledged<\/span> Thursday night that \u201cthe situation is complex\u201d and announced a plan to partner with private companies to rebuild the nation, as well as subsidies for families who are homeless.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will not overcome this tragedy alone as a government,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need the private sector to rebuild Colombia together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Monday\u2019s earthquake was the most powerful to hit Colombia this century. Government aid has yet to arrive in some areas, where many people are relying on volunteers and neighbors for help.<\/p>\n

\u201cA neighbor is giving me shelter,\u201d Olga Castro, a mother of five, told The Associated Press. \u201cAt least we survived, but right now we are practically on the street because we don\u2019t have a home anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more 2 UAE tankers attacked while transiting Strait of Hormuz, and other news from the Middle East<\/a><\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

De la Espriella said national and international funds raised in response to the disaster will focus on the reconstruction of hospitals, schools, homes, roads and airports.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\n<\/svg>\n<\/div>\n
\nSign up for Morning Wire:<\/strong>
\n Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.\n <\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
\n