Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: $135 Million Needed for Relief Efforts

Ten days after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, the United Nations estimates that approximately 1.2 million people require humanitarian assistance. Aid organizations are seeking $135 million to mitigate the disaster's impact, with a program designed to support 671,000 individuals.

The initial phase of aid will concentrate on the most severely affected departments: Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, Choco, and Caldas. However, the full extent of the catastrophe is still unfolding, as rescue and humanitarian teams face challenges reaching some communities.

Official figures indicate that the earthquake has claimed over 300 lives, with 426 people still missing and more than 4,500 injured. The devastation includes damage to over 163,000 homes, with nearly 30,000 completely destroyed. At least 413 roads have been damaged, severely hindering access to certain areas.

"Many of the houses that are still standing may be unsafe. From the outside, a building might look untouched, but inside, everything is cracked. People are sleeping outside because they fear the roof will collapse on them. Urgent structural assessments are needed so families can return to their homes," a statement read, highlighting the precarious living conditions and the urgent need for safety evaluations.

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Many of the houses that are still standing may be unsafe. From the outside, a building might look untouched, but inside, everything is cracked. People are sleeping outside because they fear the roof will collapse on them. Urgent structural assessments are needed so families can return to their homes.