De la Espriella Declares Economic Emergency, Launches 'Fondo Milagro' for Reconstruction

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of economic, social, and ecological emergency, invoking a constitutional measure that grants him authority to issue tax and spending decrees for up to three months without congressional approval, subject to Constitutional Court review of each decree. The move aims to accelerate financing for reconstruction — estimated at roughly COP 20 trillion ($6.4 billion) at the time — in the hardest-hit Chocó, Coffee Region, and Valle del Cauca areas. De la Espriella also launched the 'Fondo Milagro' ('Miracle Fund') to channel domestic and international contributions toward rebuilding hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. The confirmed death toll had reached 273, with 3,824 injured and 377 still missing.