Earthquake Death Toll Passes 280 as World Bank and U.S. Pledge Aid to Colombia
The 7.4-magnitude quake that struck western Colombia on August 10 has killed at least 287 people, left nearly 13,000 homes destroyed, and triggered a major international relief response.
The death toll from the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10 stood at at least 287 as of August 15, with thousands injured and approximately 379 people still missing, President De la Espriella confirmed. The disaster hit the cities of Cali and Pereira particularly hard, destroying nearly 13,000 homes across coffee-growing and coastal regions.
The World Bank announced a disbursement of US$200 million to support recovery efforts, while the U.S. government pledged additional earthquake aid exceeding US$26 million in total. International rescue and relief teams have been active in the affected zones as authorities work to account for the missing.
On Sunday evening, President De la Espriella delivered a televised national address focused in part on the reconstruction of earthquake-affected areas, signaling that the disaster response remains a top priority for his government alongside its security agenda. Caracol reported the address was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on August 30.
Reportado por El Paisa, nuestro corresponsal colombiano.
