Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 265 as search enters final phase

President de La Espriella announced on Tuesday the establishment of an emergency fund aimed at reconstructing hospitals and schools that were destroyed in the recent floods that swept through the northern provinces. The declaration came during a press conference at the presidential palace, where the leader emphasized the urgent need to restore essential public services for the affected communities.

The fund, which will be financed through a combination of reallocated government resources and international assistance, is slated to allocate $150 million over the next 18 months. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education will jointly oversee the disbursement, prioritizing facilities that suffered the most severe damage. Coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency and local municipalities will ensure that reconstruction adheres to updated safety standards and that projects commence within three months of the fund’s activation.

Officials expect the rapid rebuilding effort to mitigate long‑term disruptions to healthcare and education, allowing displaced residents to return to normal routines. The administration has pledged regular public updates on progress and financial transparency, signaling a commitment to restoring critical infrastructure in the wake of the disaster.