Colombia Honors 331 Victims of Devastating August Earthquake

Bogotá, Colombia – Hundreds of Colombians gathered in the Plaza de Bolívar on Friday, lighting candles and offering prayers to honor the 331 individuals who perished in the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that devastated central and southwestern regions of the country on August 10. The tremor also resulted in 4,449 injuries and left at least 406,963 people displaced.

The commemoration, titled 'Prayer for Colombia and Great Candle Vigil for the Victims and Families Affected by the Earthquake,' saw attendees including President Abelardo de la Espriella and First Lady Ana Lucía Pineda. The First Lady expressed gratitude to international donors who provided at least 640 tons of humanitarian aid, as well as to national contributors, with Bogotá alone collecting approximately 2,640 tons of supplies. "Thanks to every donor, volunteer, company, organization, and all the people who extended their hand and made it possible to reach the affected territories with gestures of love, humanitarian aid, and psychological support," Pineda stated.

The three-hour event was heavily focused on religious observance, with leaders from Christian and Catholic churches leading the proceedings. This marked President De la Espriella's first public event since his inauguration on August 7. Although the president was scheduled to address the attendees, heavy rain cut the ceremony short.

The earthquake, which had its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, impacted 16 departments and 494 municipalities. Authorities report that 187,839 homes were damaged and 33,395 were destroyed. The emergency severely tested Colombia's response capabilities, disproportionately affecting communities in Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, Nariño, and other areas where thousands of families are still awaiting assistance and the reconstruction of their homes.

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Thanks to every donor, volunteer, company, organization, and all the people who extended their hand and made it possible to reach the affected territories with gestures of love, humanitarian aid, and psychological support.