Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 312 as Recovery Efforts Intensify

The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck central and western Colombia on August 10 has risen to 312 people, according to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). The disaster has left 290 people missing, 4,611 injured, and over 294,000 people affected across 470 municipalities. The epicenter was located in San Jose del Palmar, Choco, a region where poor infrastructure has hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid. Damage reports include 4,600 destroyed homes, 134,000 affected residences, 3,400 schools, and 335 health centers, as well as significant damage to roads, bridges, and airports. The Colombian Geological Service also reported two additional earthquakes in Choco during the early hours of August 19.

Recovery and support efforts are mobilizing both domestically and internationally. In Medellin, Mayor Federico Gutierrez has called for structural engineers and pathology experts to help evaluate damages to homes and schools in the hardest hit areas. A team of specialists from universities including Eafit, Nacional, and Antioquia has already been deployed to Pereira. Meanwhile, in Spain, the city of Burgos is organizing a benefit concert titled Burgos sounds for Colombia on August 28 to raise funds for reconstruction. This initiative, supported by the association Soy Colombia, will direct funds to organizations in Buenaventura, Pereira, Dagua, and Medio Atrato, while also coordinating the collection of medical supplies and non perishable food.