De la Espriella Signs Decree 1261, Formalizing Economic Emergency Across 15 Departments

President Abelardo de la Espriella signed Decree 1261, formally declaring a state of economic, social, and ecological emergency for 30 days across 15 departments — Antioquia, Caldas, Cauca, Chocó, Quindío, Cundinamarca, Risaralda, Huila, Valle, Tolima, Putumayo, Norte de Santander, Bolívar, Nariño, and Sucre. The decree empowers the executive to issue decrees with force of law on budget, contracting, taxation, housing, health, and public services without prior congressional approval, subject to Constitutional Court review and mandatory reporting to Congress. 'These powers will not be a blank check; every peso responds to emergency responsibilities,' de la Espriella said. Colombia's disaster agency reported the confirmed death toll had reached 312–314, with over 4,400 injured, roughly 260–290 still missing, and more than 260,000 people displaced.