Colombia is beginning to shift from rescue operations to recovery and reconstruction, one week after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake devastated parts of the country.
The earthquake, which struck the western region on August 10, has killed at least 289 people and injured 4,187, according to government figures. Fifteen of Colombia’s 32 provinces were affected, with major damage reported in cities including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Buenaventura.
Authorities say 127,557 homes were damaged, while 26,945 were completely destroyed. The disaster also affected 285 health centres and 2,838 educational facilities. Roads, bridges, water systems and airports were also damaged.
Emergency teams have rescued 354 people, but 143 people remain officially unaccounted for. Rescue workers say the chances of finding survivors beneath the rubble are declining, although some teams continue searching.
In Cali, rescue operations at some collapsed buildings have been suspended as authorities move toward recovering bodies and beginning demolition and reconstruction work.
Thousands Need Shelter
With more than 120,000 families affected, providing housing has become one of the government's main priorities. Authorities in cities such as Cali and Pereira have converted stadiums and community centres into temporary shelters.
Aid organisations and residents have also been providing food, water, clothing and hygiene supplies to affected families.
However, some of the hardest-hit areas, particularly Chocó, remain in urgent need of assistance. The region was already struggling with poverty, armed conflict, drug trafficking and illegal mining before the earthquake.
Residents in Quibdó have criticised the government for what they describe as a slow response, while authorities say the full extent of the damage in remote communities is still being assessed.
Major Economic Damage
The earthquake has also caused billions of dollars in economic losses. Businesses across affected communities have been destroyed, leaving thousands of people struggling to rebuild their livelihoods.
The European Union has pledged €2 million, while the United States has announced $15.5 million in assistance. Colombia's government estimates that reconstruction could cost at least $6.4 billion.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared an economic emergency and announced plans to raise funds for reconstruction, including through additional borrowing.
The disaster has become the first major test of the president's leadership, coming only three days after he was inaugurated.
Despite the shift toward recovery, emergency teams continue to search through collapsed buildings, holding out hope that survivors could still be found.
“The search for survivors continues; there’s always the possibility of miracles,” said Sergeant Joel Bustamente, who is leading rescue operations in Cali.
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