Shock plan seeks to maintain schooling continuity after earthquake

On August 21, 2026, the government is preparing a shock plan to maintain educational continuity in the areas affected by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred on August 10. The strategy includes virtual education modalities, the use of community spaces, and enhanced teaching support.

Strategy to prevent academic delays

The Minister of Education, Viviane Morales, explained that the initial response is focused on preventing students from accumulating academic delays. To this end, the Ministry is studying flexibility mechanisms to keep educational activities running while the damaged facilities are being repaired.

Differences from the pandemic

One of the differences compared to the measures adopted during the pandemic will be the possibility of temporarily relocating activities to other spaces. Morales pointed out that it would not be feasible to fully reproduce the previous model because caregivers need to continue with their work shifts.

Use of connectivity and community spaces

The plan provides for the use of locations such as churches and compensation funds for weekly meetings with teachers, tutors, and students. Particular attention will be given to rural areas using resources such as satellite connection, tablets, and content from the Colombia Aprende portal.

Recovery of school infrastructure

The initial assessment identified 3,100 affected educational institutions, with 811 having collapsed and being a priority for reconstruction. The Ministry is reviewing available resources in the Educational Infrastructure Fund and other budget items to allocate to the affected areas.

Emergency assessment on August 21, 2026

The report from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management indicates that the earthquake has left 321 dead, 257 missing, and 4,595 injured. The emergency affects 146,188 families, and the epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, Chocó.

With information from El Colombiano.