Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 331; reconstruction begins

The devastating impact of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia two weeks ago continues to unfold, with the death toll now reaching 331. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) reported that the seismic event, which occurred on August 10, has also resulted in 4,439 injuries, 240 disappearances, and the rescue of 240 individuals.

The earthquake's epicenter was in San José del Palmar, Chocó department, in western Colombia. It significantly impacted 494 municipalities across 16 departments, leaving 361,353 people displaced. The damage is extensive, with 178,555 homes damaged and 31,540 destroyed. Additionally, 5,884 buildings sustained damage, and 603 collapsed entirely. Critical infrastructure, including 378 health centers, 3,731 educational facilities, and 4,170 community centers, were also affected, alongside numerous roads, airports, and bridges.

In response to the widespread destruction, the Colombian government has initiated the reconstruction phase. President Abelardo de la Espriella visited Quibdó, the capital of Chocó and one of the most severely affected regions, to announce the first steps in this new phase of emergency response. The government plans to distribute 4,480 tons of materials for home repairs and has launched a program for assisted repair and reconstruction, where citizens will provide labor with professional guidance.

Furthermore, the business conglomerate Grupo Argos has expanded its commitment to providing rapidly constructed housing, increasing the number of units from 300 to 1,000. Up to 600 of these homes can be allocated to the Chocó region. Families with minor home damage will receive repair materials, while those whose homes are beyond repair will be provided with new ones. Starting August 26, households with destroyed or uninhabitable homes will receive a monthly assistance of 875,452 pesos (approximately $285) for three months, totaling 2.6 million pesos (about $855) per household.