Colombia enters reconstruction phase after earthquake as death toll reaches 331

Colombia is formally moving from emergency response to reconstruction 20 days after an earthquake that affected more than 452,000 people, while rescuers continue searching for 152 missing people.

President Abelardo De La Espriella announced the transition during a televised address on Aug. 30. The presidential balance said 452,782 Colombians, representing 213,400 families, were affected across 497 municipalities in 16 departments.

The reported toll stood at 331 dead and 4,497 injured. The earthquake destroyed 35,987 homes and damaged another 198,601. It also affected 4,261 educational centers, 404 health centers, 121 water systems, 89 vehicle bridges and 482 roads.

The emergency response included 1,849 official rescuers organized into 54 national and international teams, along with more than 144 foreign rescuers. International assistance brought more than 640 tons of supplies from the United States, Mexico, Ecuador, El Salvador and Sweden.

Aid also moved within Colombia. Bogotá sent more than 2,640 tons in over 170 trucks and aircraft, while Norte de Santander contributed 105 tons and Antioquia coordinated 22 tons for Chocó. A campaign called “Colombia un solo corazón,” led by first lady Ana Lucía Pineda, added nearly 4,386 tons of aid from businesses, volunteers and citizens. The search for missing people will continue as needed while reconstruction advances.