7.4-Magnitude Quake Devastates Western Colombia

Overview

• The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck with an epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó on Monday, August 10, and Colombia’s geological service called it one of the strongest quakes the country has seen this century.
• Official casualty counts remain in flux as municipal and national tallies are reconciled, with reports during the day showing figures such as 233, 254 and 265 dead and thousands listed as missing or displaced.
• Multi-day search-and-rescue operations continue in hard-hit cities such as Cali, Pereira and Manizales, with teams recovering survivors after long entrapments including rescues at roughly 36 to 38 hours under rubble.
• President Abelardo De La Espriella declared a national disaster, ordered three days of mourning, activated the UNGRD to coordinate relief and signaled the government will seek external financing and fast-track procurement for reconstruction.
• A wide international response is under way with at least a dozen countries offering aid, the EU allocating about €2.1 million, the United States providing emergency funds, Copernicus satellite mapping deployed and relief flights already delivering supplies.