The governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, has announced the start of the reconstruction process for 12,500 homes and 10 schools affected by the earthquake of August 10. This emergency has caused severe damage to the educational, healthcare, and housing infrastructure in the region.
Toro presented a report on the recovery progress, indicating that the plan includes both the construction of new homes and improvements to existing ones for affected families. The earthquake has left over 72,000 homes with damage, of which nearly 20,000 have collapsed. “We have 220 schools, 2 hospitals that also collapsed, plus the University Hospital of Valle. We are also in the reconstruction of schools. We will start with 9 schools here, one school in Buenaventura, and we have already begun with 12,500 new homes and housing improvements in the department,” the governor stated.
The impact on education has been considerable, with 720 of the 1,150 school locations in Valle del Cauca affected, and 220 collapsed. Despite the damage, 300 locations have resumed in-person classes. For schools that are still unable to reopen, virtual classes and educational shelters have been established. “Classes are held there, the School Feeding Program is provided there, everything is done there, and we have Starlink antennas so they can have connectivity,” Toro added.
In addition to the housing and educational crisis, the poultry sector has also been severely affected. During the Fenavi Congress 2026, the governor reported that at least 220,000 animals in this sector lost their lives due to the emergency. She highlighted that Valle del Cauca contributes about 25% of the country’s egg production, which means that the damage to the poultry sector impacts food security and the regional economy.
Despite the difficulties caused by the earthquake, Toro emphasized the importance of the Fenavi Congress for economic reactivation, with the participation of 230 exhibitors and 4,500 attendees. “It’s not just about rebuilding infrastructure, it’s about rebuilding social fabric, trust, hope,” she stressed. The governor emphasized the need for coordinated work among authorities, the private sector, and affected communities to face the challenge of reconstruction.
Source: www.infobae.com
