US allocates $15.5 million in aid to Colombia after 7.4 magnitude earthquake

The United States has mobilized $15.5 million in aid and deployed a specialized disaster response team to Colombia in the wake of a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on August 10.

Natalia Molano, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, explained in an interview that the specialized team will act as a crucial link between the U.S. government and implementing organizations, NGOs, and Colombian authorities. This coordination aims to ensure the assistance is delivered efficiently and effectively to those most in need.

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We have this specialized disaster response team, which is a team that coordinates in a very effective and efficient manner. It serves as the link between the U.S. government and implementing organizations, specializations, international NGOs and the government of Colombia in this case, so that everything is done in a coordinated and rapid manner.

The U.S. aid will prioritize emergency shelter, food supplies, and the assessment of damage and reconstruction needs. Molano detailed that the resources will be channeled through established international organizations with a presence in Colombia, including Catholic Relief Services, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN World Food Programme, and World Vision. This approach is intended to leverage existing operational capacities and expedite the delivery of aid.

Molano emphasized that the needs identified for assistance were determined in close coordination with the Colombian government. Key areas of focus include providing emergency shelter, food, evaluating damage, and ensuring the physical protection of victims and survivors.

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These needs have been identified as emergency shelter, food, and the assessment of damage and reconstruction, as well as the physical protection of victims and survivors.