Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises as Search Operations Enter Sixth Day

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, has left between 288 and 294 people dead, according to reports from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). Search and rescue operations entered their sixth day on Saturday, August 15, with estimates of missing persons ranging from 320 to 378. Thousands of people have been injured, with reports citing figures between 3,935 and 4,018.

The disaster caused extensive infrastructure damage. Reports indicate that over 54,000 families were affected, with thousands of homes destroyed or damaged. In Pereira, authorities reported that over 35,000 homes, representing 15 percent of the city's housing, were impacted. The Colombian Geological Service recorded 184 aftershocks, which have increased risks for rescue teams working in unstable structures.

President Abelardo De la Espriella, who took office shortly before the tragedy, visited affected areas including Pereira and the department of Chocó. He pledged government resources for the reconstruction of homes, schools, and hospitals, and promised rental assistance for those who lost their residences. In Cali, the president stated that resources would be guaranteed for rental spaces to maintain health services while the Hospital Universitario del Valle Evaristo García undergoes repairs.

International aid has arrived from the United States, which announced a total of 26.5 million US dollars in humanitarian assistance. This includes an initial 15.5 million US dollars provided on the day of the quake and an additional 11 million US dollars announced on Friday for food, health, and shelter.