In Quake-Hit Chocó, Recovery Hinges on Visibility, Governor Warns

The governor of Colombia’s isolated Chocó department pai…

The governor of Colombia’s isolated Chocó department painted a stark picture of the aftermath of last week’s earthquake, saying that survivors are now confronted with “pain, hunger, and homelessness.” The region, already among the country’s most impoverished, has struggled to capture national attention, prompting a visit from pop star Shakira to highlight the crisis.

The magnitude-6.6 quake struck on March 24, causing landslides and damaging hundreds of homes in the Pacific coastal region. While the death toll remained relatively low, the destruction has exacerbated the area’s chronic lack of infrastructure and services, leaving many families without shelter or access to clean water.

Governor Nubia Córdoba, who has been vocal about the region’s neglect, stated that the immediate needs are food, medical supplies, and temporary housing. She emphasized that the disaster has deepened the existing hardships in a place where poverty and violence were already daily realities.

Shakira, who is of Colombian descent, visited the

Shakira, who is of Colombian descent, visited the affected communities to draw media attention and spur donations. Her presence has brought a global spotlight to the region, but local officials stress that sustained aid and long-term reconstruction plans are critical for recovery.

As relief efforts continue, residents are bracing for a difficult road ahead, with many fearing that the region’s isolation will once again leave them forgotten in national recovery efforts.