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President Abelardo de la Espriella Declares Economic Emergency to Address Devastation from Recent Earthquake

President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared an economic emergency to manage the aftermath of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Chocó and 14 other departments in Colombia. The administration announced that the mechanism will provide the necessary tools to respond to the victims' needs during a period of fiscal crisis. The earthquake has resulted in at least 270 deaths and thousands of injuries, with thousands of homes destroyed. To manage the humanitarian aid, the administration highlighted the leadership of First Lady Ana Lucía Pineda. She is leading the "Colombia, un Solo Corazón" initiative, coordinating private and corporate donations of food, water, and hygiene items. While some experts criticize the reliance on private aid over state-managed systems, Pineda is actively managing reconstruction efforts, such as securing power plants for hospitals in Pereira. President Abelardo de la Espriella also noted that his daughter, Lucía, is volunteering at aid collection centers. The administration plans to use the economic emergency to stimulate investment and generate employment in the affected zones.

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