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🇮🇹 Italy /Disasters & Emergencies

Over $1.3 billion in international aid pledged to Colombia after earthquake

From ANSA · () Italian

Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Colombia has secured over $1.3 billion in international aid pledges following a devastating earthquake.
  • The funds will support emergency response and reconstruction efforts in affected areas, with contributions from numerous countries and multilateral organizations.
  • Six of the country's seven airports have reopened with some operational limitations, while indigenous communities report significant impact and damage.

Colombia is set to receive more than $1.3 billion in international aid following a powerful earthquake that struck the nation. Vice President José Manuel Restrepo announced the pledges from various multilateral bodies and countries, stating the funds are crucial for both immediate emergency response and the long-term reconstruction of devastated areas.

Numerous nations, including Sweden, Turkey, the United States, El Salvador, Japan, Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, and Switzerland, have offered support. Their contributions range from deploying international rescue teams to providing humanitarian, financial, and material assistance. The Colombian government emphasized that this international backing will be vital in managing the crisis and rebuilding communities most affected by the seismic event.

Countries around the world have come forward.

— José Manuel RestrepoThe Vice President highlighted the global response to Colombia's earthquake.

In terms of infrastructure, six of Colombia's seven airports have resumed operations. While airports in Cali and Quibdó are functioning normally, others like Armenia, Buenaventura, and Manizales have reopened for commercial flights with specific operational restrictions. The Ministry of Transportation confirmed the reactivation of commercial flights at Buenaventura's airport, signaling progress in restoring connectivity.

However, the Matecaña airport in Pereira remains closed to passenger traffic, handling only state and humanitarian flights due to runway damage and control tower issues. Similarly, the Cartago airport faces similar challenges. The Popayán airport is temporarily closed, but this is due to volcanic ash, not earthquake damage. The National Indigenous Organization of Colombia (Onic) reported that over 68,500 indigenous people were directly impacted, with thousands of homes damaged and a heightened risk of landslides in mountainous regions. Onic has called for damage assessments that consider the unique needs of indigenous communities.

Buenaventura reactivates its commercial flights! With the Aerocivil, we are restoring commercial operations at its airport. We are moving forward!

— Elsa NogueraThe Minister of Transportation announced the reopening of Buenaventura airport.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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