AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Costs & Recovery: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella put preliminary economic losses from the Aug. 10, 7.4 quake at about 30 trillion pesos (around $9.6B), with damage split between buildings and infrastructure, as the death toll rose to 289 and 143 people remain missing. Housing Minister Backlash: Housing minister Jaime Andrés Beltrán faced political fire after photos surfaced of a Caribbean holiday while thousands slept in the open; he said he wasn’t on holiday and resumed reconstruction work. Aid & Business Support: Volunteers wrapped up a major Red Cross supply drive in Bogotá, while the U.S. sent emergency shipments via SOUTHCOM. Korea Eximbank donated 100 million won for relief and set up lending to support Korean biotech exports to Colombia. Education Funding: Shakira pledged $1.25M to rebuild schools and a technological university in Chocó, with partners including Live Nation, FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, and CAF, aiming to get children back into classrooms. Politics & Optics: The president also drew criticism after handing out branded footballs in Buenaventura amid the aid crisis. Trade Pressure: De la Espriella urged Trump to temporarily suspend high tariffs to ease pressure on businesses hit by the quake.

Earthquake Relief & Accountability: Colombia’s quake response is drawing sharp public anger after President Abelardo de la Espriella was filmed handing out footballs with his campaign logo while survivors report shortages in healthcare, food and education. EU Aid Boost: The EU reinforced support with tents, blankets, water filters and cooking supplies coordinated via its Emergency Response Coordination Centre, adding to earlier emergency funding. Rebuilding Pressure: In Cali, families are still displaced after building collapses and evacuations, with rent and housing supply tightening as recovery drags on. Private Sector Support: HYBE pledged 1 billion pesos (about $300,000) for earthquake relief and recovery through a Colombian nonprofit, adding to the broader wave of donations. Security & Trade Fallout: Colombia’s new right-wing government is also pushing for deeper U.S. counternarcotics cooperation, while earthquake damage is reshaping tariff and policy discussions with Washington. Regional Business Watch: Separate from the quake, Nu Holdings reported strong results, and Bitget Wallet highlighted stablecoins as a payments alternative for cross-border commerce.

Earthquake Recovery & Reconstruction: Colombia’s UNGRD revised the quake toll to 289 deaths, with 4,187 injuries and 143 missing, as rescue work shifts toward body recovery and debris removal across Cali and Pereira; aftershocks are complicating operations and authorities say the “hope window” for survivors is narrowing. U.S.-Tariff Relief Push: Newly sworn-in President Abelardo de la Espriella asked Donald Trump to temporarily suspend high tariffs to help businesses cope with earthquake damage, while the U.S. pledged $26.5m in emergency aid. International Rescue Support: Israel’s IDF Home Front Command engineers and mapping teams are assisting damage assessments, and Chinese heavy-duty cranes are being deployed in Pereira to lift large structural parts and reach deeper rubble. Data Security: Safepal disclosed a breach affecting 39,798 customers after a flaw in an order-tracking plugin exposed names, emails and shipping addresses (no wallet keys). Sports & Business Glance: Juventus confirmed Colombian defender Jhon Lucumí’s €19.5m-plus deal from Bologna, while tennis in Cincinnati kept Colombia in the spotlight via Emiliana Arango’s match.

Earthquake Relief & Trade: Colombia’s newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella asked U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend high tariffs on Colombian goods to ease pressure on businesses hit by the Aug. 10 7.4 quake, after Washington pledged about $26.5M in emergency aid; the request came in a “friendly” 10-minute call, with the U.S. having raised general duties from 10% to 12.5% in late July (coffee and oil exempt). Disaster Response on the Ground: Search teams continued through rubble nearly a week after the quake, with officials putting deaths around 290 and hundreds injured and missing, while Cali recovery shifted toward body recovery as aftershocks complicated rescue work. Aid Mobilization: Relief efforts expanded in Bogota and across affected regions, including a Barcelona solidarity event targeting €5,000 for victims and new shipments of supplies arriving to support survivors. Security & Regional Cooperation: Israel sent an 80-person rescue delegation to help in Cali, while CARICOM’s Operation Eclipse reported $54.5M seized in Caribbean smuggling disruptions.

Tariff Relief Push: Colombia’s newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella asked Donald Trump to temporarily suspend the 12.5% US tariffs on Colombian goods, saying the earthquake’s aftermath is crushing exporters and business owners; the call lasted about 10 minutes and Trump offered condolences, while coffee and oil are among the few exemptions. Disaster Toll and Search: The quake death toll has climbed to about 294, with roughly 320 still unaccounted for as rescue teams shift from finding survivors to recovering bodies and clearing debris in Cali and Pereira. Aid Reaches Remote Areas: Humanitarian shipments are starting to reach far-off communities, including large truckloads of food, water, medicine, hygiene supplies, and medicines delivered to departments like Chocó. Regional Response Contrast: Reporting comparing Colombia and Venezuela highlights faster official coordination in Colombia during the first 72 hours, while Venezuela’s response relied more on civilians amid delays and equipment gaps. Security/Trade Spillover: Separate coverage notes Colombia’s broader push for US support on security and trade ties, alongside ongoing international scrutiny of illicit networks.

Earthquake Relief & Recovery: Colombia’s 7.4-magnitude quake has killed at least 287 people, with hundreds still missing, as rescue teams in Pereira and Cali report intermittent signs of life and extend searches while rebuilding ramps up. A groom-to-be, Juan Felipe Giraldo, was found dead in Pereira rubble days before his wedding, underscoring the human toll. Aid Logistics & Local Fundraising: Diaspora and local groups are coordinating supplies and shipping plans, including a Philadelphia-based effort collecting boxes for airlift to western Colombia, while other community drives focus on essentials like bedding, baby care, and first aid. Coffee & Trade Impact: The quake is disrupting Colombia’s coffee exports, with reports of major declines for the season as logistics and production are hit. Security & Policy: Newly inaugurated President Abelardo “El Tigre” de la Espriella is pushing for expanded U.S. military support to fight drug cartels, aligning with Washington’s broader security posture. Diplomacy Shift: Colombia has moved toward closer ties with Israel, reversing prior steps taken under Gustavo Petro, including plans tied to embassy relocation and recognition positions on the Golan Heights.

Earthquake Response: Colombia’s deadly 7.4 quake has killed at least 169 people (figures rising toward the 280s), with thousands injured and hundreds still missing as rescue teams in Cali and Pereira report rare signs of life and keep searching beyond the shrinking survival window. Rebuilding & Aid: The government is shifting toward shelter and reconstruction while international and local relief ramps up, including World Bank support and shipments of supplies from the US and elsewhere; Buenaventura residents also accuse the state of long-running neglect as hospitals struggle. Security & US Ties: In parallel, newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella is asking for expanded US military help against drug trafficking, formally joining the “Shield of the Americas” coalition and signaling a tougher, more forceful approach. Labor & Safety: A coal mine explosion in Cundinamarca killed six workers after authorities had ordered a temporary shutdown for safety failures, raising questions about enforcement. Business & Markets: Colombia’s quake is also disrupting key sectors like coffee exports, while companies and communities abroad are organizing fundraising and logistics for recovery.

Earthquake Relief & Rebuilding: Colombia’s quake response is shifting from rescue to recovery as the death toll is confirmed at 281, with 3,824 injured and 379 still missing, while damage tallies show thousands of homes collapsed or partially destroyed and major strain on schools, health sites and other infrastructure. World Bank Financing: The World Bank disbursed $200 million for emergency relief and launched a rapid damage assessment to help Bogota prioritize aid and reconstruction, including support for housing and small businesses. Search Window Fades: Officials and volunteers say the chances of finding survivors have dropped sharply after the critical early period, but hundreds remain unaccounted for and families keep living in shelters. Aid & Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV sent €100,000 for humanitarian relief, and an Israeli rescue team arrived in Cali to support search and assistance as Colombia’s new government deepens ties with Jerusalem. Business & Payments: AEON expanded its settlement layer into Colombia by integrating Bre-B, enabling crypto holders to pay merchants via QR while merchants receive COP settlement. Security & Crime: Colombia’s new president asked the U.S. for military help against drug traffickers and signed on to Washington’s anti-cartel “Shield of the Americas,” while Ecuador seized 469 kg of cocaine stamped with Erling Haaland’s face. Corporate Watch: Nu Holdings shares jumped after strong Q2 results, while SS Innovations reported record revenue growth tied to its surgical robotics rollout.

Earthquake Response: Colombia’s quake search is entering a grim phase as the 72-hour survivor window closes; the death toll is reported at 281 with 379 still missing, while Cali and Pereira shift from rescue to debris removal and families wait in makeshift camps. Economic Emergency: President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an economic emergency to fund reconstruction amid a tight fiscal position, with plans for a “Fondo Milagro” to channel contributions toward hospitals, schools, housing, roads and airports. Church Solidarity: CELAM bishops’ conferences across Latin America sent messages of solidarity as rescue crews keep working across multiple cities. Trade & Tariffs: The White House flagged Colombia among countries at elevated risk of “transshipment” used to dodge U.S. tariffs, raising pressure on customs enforcement and trade compliance. Energy & Investment: Arrow Exploration bought its first producing asset outside Colombia—an Alberta oil property for about US$8.9m—signaling continued capital deployment beyond Colombian basins. Cyber Risk: Crypto wallet maker Trezor said a shipping-provider breach exposed order data for thousands of customers, including in Colombia.

Earthquake Response & Reconstruction: Colombia’s government has declared an economic, social and ecological emergency to speed rebuilding after the 7.4 quake, with President Abelardo de la Espriella announcing a “Fondo Milagro” to centralize donations and reconstruction funds as the death toll rose to 265 and hundreds remain missing. Financial Sector Rules: The financial regulator (SFC) opened public consultation on temporary guidance for banks and insurers to support earthquake-affected borrowers and claimants. Insurance Impact: Reinsurer Guy Carpenter says higher earthquake coverage penetration could translate the quake into insured losses across the wider Latin America market. Rescue Phase: In Cali and Pereira, crews have shifted from rescue to debris removal as the critical early survival window narrows, while families wait for news. Crypto & Data Security: Hardware wallet maker Trezor disclosed a breach via shipping partner ShipMonk exposing data tied to about 13,689 customers, including shipping addresses in Colombia and other countries—raising phishing risk. Humanitarian Aid: Sweden pledged SEK 5 million via UNHCR, and Pope Leo XIV sent €100,000 to dioceses hit by the disaster.

Disaster Relief & Reconstruction: Colombia’s earthquake response is entering a “final phase” as rescuers near the 72-hour mark for finding survivors. The 7.4 quake has killed 265, injured about 3,500, and left nearly 500 missing, with Pereira and Cali among the hardest hit. Economic Policy Response: President Abelardo de la Espriella invoked an “economic emergency” to speed relief and reconstruction, including a new emergency fund and measures such as rental subsidies, tax relief, and support for hospitals, schools, homes, and infrastructure. Humanitarian Logistics: Blood donations surged in Cali as hospitals face trauma demand, while Mexico dispatched air shipments of food aid to Pereira. Security & Trade Risk: In Ecuador, police seized 469 kg of cocaine near the Colombia border; packages were branded with Erling Haaland’s image, highlighting how traffickers label shipments. Energy Access (Regional): A Latin America workshop underscored that rural electrification needs more than power—renewables must connect to local value chains and skills to drive livelihoods. Fintech Funding: Colombia-founded payments infrastructure firm Yuno raised a US$45m Series B to expand global payment rails and fraud tools.

Earthquake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake has pushed the new government into a high-stakes sprint as rescue teams enter the final phase of the first 72 hours; the death toll is reported around 202–240 with thousands injured and missing, while Cali and Pereira remain the hardest hit and authorities keep searching collapsed buildings. National Mourning & Emergency Measures: President Abelardo de la Espriella declared three days of national mourning and a national disaster/economic emergency to speed relief and unlock funding. Aid & Logistics: International support is flowing alongside local volunteer drives in places like Queens and South Florida, while companies are activating crisis plans and support for staff and affected communities. Cyber Risk: Days before the presidential handover, Colombia’s Justice Ministry reported a ransomware attack that disrupted public services, adding pressure as the country manages both disaster response and digital security. Business & Investment: Uber is investing in Latin American motorcycle lender Galgo to expand financing for drivers and couriers, with expansion planned for Mexico first and then Chile and Colombia in early 2027. Agri Innovation: IICA selected 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica, including Colombia’s Neonativa and AgroData Connect, signaling continued push for digital transformation in agrifood. Finance Markets: BTG Pactual Asset Management launched an ETF tied to the IDB’s Amazonia for All initiative, aiming to broaden retail access to Amazon-focused sustainable investment.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll climbed to 254 as rescuers kept searching collapsed buildings across the coffee-growing west; Pereira recorded 101 deaths and Cali 95, with thousands left homeless and airports shut after damage, while aftershocks continued to complicate recovery. Economic Emergency: The new government is preparing an economic emergency that would let President Abelardo de la Espriella issue economic and tax decrees faster to fund the response, amid warnings the disaster could strain public finances. Aid Mobilization (diaspora + NGOs): Relief is ramping up from abroad and at home, including CARE setting up an emergency fund, Direct Relief pushing medical supplies, and U.S. communities in Florida and New York organizing shipments and collection drives. Connectivity for Crisis Areas: Starlink is offering free satellite internet in quake-hit zones until Sept. 12 to help emergency agencies restore communications. Market Impact: Arabica coffee prices jumped as the quake threatens supply from key Colombian growing regions. Security & Politics: A new report warns the president’s hardline crackdown could backfire and worsen violence, while Colombia also recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, drawing criticism from Arab states.

Earthquake Relief & Logistics: Colombia’s 7.4 quake in the northwest has killed at least 181–224 people (figures vary by source) and left thousands missing, with rescue teams still pulling survivors from rubble in Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Chocó; the new president Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national emergency and is pushing military, police and field hospitals while curfews aim to curb looting. Economic Emergency Funding: Finance Minister Miguel Gómez says the government will activate an “economic emergency,” including a World Bank-backed loan of up to $450m and rapid reallocation of disaster-risk budgets via UNGRD. Diaspora Aid in the US: In South Florida, GEM in Doral is collecting first-aid and camping gear (tents, blankets) and prefers cash for supplies, with first distributions planned for Pereira then Cali and Manizales. Business & Markets Watch: Nu Holdings is set to report Aug. 13 earnings, with analysts expecting strong sales growth—an important read-through for Colombia’s fintech sector. International Links: The US and other partners are pledging emergency support, while Israel continues expanding regional diplomatic ties, including consular restoration with Venezuela.

Disaster Response: Colombia’s 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the west has killed 132 people and injured more than 570, with damage reported across 1,575 homes and major airport disruptions as commercial flights are suspended for structural checks. Emergency Measures: President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster, ordered curfews in Cali and Pereira to curb looting and keep roads clear for rescue teams, and said the top priority is freeing people trapped under rubble. Local Impact: The quake hit the Chocó region near San José del Palmar and was felt as far as Bogotá, with reports of widespread building collapse in cities including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales. Security & Politics: In the same week, the new government also reported killing six members of illegal armed groups in operations, signaling an early push on security alongside the crisis. Business Watch: Embraer said it expects higher 2026 profits after record revenue and a strong order backlog, a reminder that global aviation demand is still moving even as Colombia’s quake disrupts travel.

Earthquake Response: A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar (Chocó) at 7:34 a.m., killing at least 111 people and injuring 87, with 1,575 homes damaged and 61 buildings collapsed; President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster and said rescue is the top priority, with officials reporting damage across multiple departments and airports. Air Travel Disruption: Colombia’s civil aviation authority suspended operations at several airports (including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura), with closures expected to drive cancellations and delays while inspections continue. New Government, Early Test: De la Espriella, sworn in days earlier in Cali and pledging a hardline security and energy agenda, is now managing the crisis through a unified command and rapid deployment to the hardest-hit areas. Diplomacy Shift: Colombia reaffirmed Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and froze recognition of the so-called “SADR,” signaling a renewed bilateral push. Regional Crime Watch: UN-linked reporting highlights expanding ketamine trafficking across Latin America, reflecting shifts toward synthetic drug mixes and wider supply chains. Aviation/Trade Note: Volaris announced new Guadalajara-to-U.S. routes starting Dec. 1, adding direct competition in the Mexico-U.S. market.