Chocó Struggles Amid Earthquake and Ongoing Violence

The Chocó region, already grappling with severe poverty and violence, faced a catastrophic earthquake on Monday, registering a magnitude of 7.4. The quake's epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, exacerbating the area's vulnerability and complicating rescue efforts.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just days before the disaster, swiftly traveled to Quibdó, the department's capital, to assess the damage. He has mobilized military and police resources, including engineers and rescue teams, promising rental assistance for those whose homes were damaged.

Chocó is home to around 500,000 people, predominantly Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities. The region's economic activities include mining, forestry, agriculture, and fishing, but it is also heavily influenced by armed groups like the ELN and the Clan del Golfo, who contest control over strategic areas.

As of Tuesday afternoon, over 220 lives had been lost due to the earthquake, with the governor reporting at least 14 fatalities in Quibdó alone. Communication breakdowns and difficult terrain hindered thorough damage assessments, particularly in remote areas.

The need for immediate aid is compounded by the ongoing conflicts between illegal armed groups vying for control of Chocó's rich resources and strategic transport routes, including those used for drug trafficking. The region's dense jungles and proximity to Panama create further challenges for law enforcement and humanitarian efforts, leaving many residents in a precarious situation.

Source: www.clarin.com