US sends 10 tons of humanitarian aid for earthquake victims in Colombia

The United States has dispatched approximately 10 tons of essential humanitarian supplies to Colombia to aid those affected by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the country last week. The shipment, mobilized from a U.S. Department of State stockpile in Miami, contains critical items for shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene efforts.

This material assistance complements a prior financial pledge of $26.5 million from the U.S. Department of State, designated for reconstruction and infrastructure work following the August 10th emergency. The U.S. military's Transportation Command facilitated the logistics, with support from the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

International solidarity with Colombia continues to grow, with Spain and Italy also contributing 1.5 million euros to the relief efforts. As of one week after the seismic event, Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrival of over 220 tons of humanitarian aid from regional partners including El Salvador, Mexico, Chile, and Peru.

The natural disaster has resulted in 287 fatalities, 4,147 injuries, and 194 disappearances across Colombia, according to the latest consolidated figures from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). In addition to the material aid, 144 specialized international emergency response team members have joined the ongoing relief operations.