The 5 facts that reveal how prepared Colombia was for an earthquake

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10, 2026, discussions have turned toward reconstruction efforts. At the Andean Chamber of Commerce (Andi) Congress, four prominent economists proposed a “Criollo Marshall Plan,” drawing parallels with post-World War II European recovery initiatives. The plan emphasizes private-sector participation alongside substantial public investment to address the damage caused by the quake and to modernize infrastructure projects. This proposal comes amid widespread devastation, particularly in regions such as the Coffee Axis, Valle del Cauca, and Chocó, where the earthquake's epicenter was located. The earthquake has left a trail of destruction, with over 239 confirmed deaths and the number expected to rise. The disaster exposed critical vulnerabilities in Colombia’s infrastructure, including buildings constructed before the latest seismic standards were introduced. More than one-third of structures lack any form of seismic reinforcement, a problem that varies significantly by region. These deficiencies contributed to the extensive damage observed during the quake, especially in areas already prone to high seismic risk. Experts warn that the country's preparedness for such disasters is inadequate. According to the Global Earthquake Model Foundation and the National Risk Management Unit, Colombia ranks among the countries with the highest seismic threat levels. However, the combination of high exposure due to population concentration in urban centers and poor infrastructure resilience in vulnerable regions like Chocó made the impact even more severe. The situation is further complicated by ongoing conflicts and economic challenges in these regions, which hinder effective emergency response and long-term recovery. The earthquake has also highlighted disparities in how different parts of the country are being affected and assisted. While urban areas have received significant attention and resources, rural zones remain largely overlooked. In municipalities like San José del Palmar in Chocó, communication breakdowns have delayed assessments of the damage and the number of affected individuals. Rural schools have been severely impacted, affecting both educational infrastructure and children's access to school meals, a crucial component of their daily nutrition. In Chocó, the situation is particularly dire, given its existing food insecurity issues. Over half of households in the department face moderate to severe food insecurity, a challenge exacerbated by recent armed conflict and displacement. Without timely intervention, the agricultural productivity of rural areas could suffer, impacting food supply chains and local economies. Reconstruction efforts must consider these regional differences. Proposals from economists suggest leveraging the current crisis to push forward with necessary infrastructure upgrades. They emphasize the need to avoid power outages, a concern heightened by the potential effects of El Niño weather patterns. Meanwhile, officials are working to restore essential services, such as the Metrocable system in Medellín, which recently completed inspections and resumed operations after the quake disrupted service. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage, particularly in remote and rural areas where information remains limited. As the government moves forward with recovery plans, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all affected regions will be crucial to preventing further hardship and promoting sustainable rebuilding.