Colombia is still facing the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, as searches through the rubble continue even after the critical 72-hour deadline. The current toll stands at at least 294 dead, about 4,000 injured and around 400 missing.
Searches continue amid the rubble
Nearly five days after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck, rescue teams in Colombia are continuing operations to find survivors. Searches are under way in collapsed buildings and devastated areas in the west of the country.
The fact that operations are continuing even after the critical 72-hour threshold has passed shows the scale of the disaster and the despair of families still waiting for news of their loved ones.
Coffee-growing region among the hardest hit
The earthquake struck Colombia’s coffee-growing region hard, affecting areas including Cali and Pereira. Material damage is reported to be severe, with about 13,000 homes destroyed and thousands of other buildings damaged.
The extent of the destruction turns the disaster into not only a humanitarian emergency, but also a broad housing and basic services crisis for thousands of families.
Government declares economic emergency
According to the authorities, a state of economic emergency has been declared, while plans have been announced to support displaced families and rebuild damaged homes, schools and hospitals.
For Colombia’s newly elected government, the disaster immediately presents a major test on the ground: dealing with the emergency and managing a reconstruction process that is expected to require time, funding and public accountability.
Funds and aid arrive from abroad
Meanwhile, international aid has begun to arrive. The World Bank has pledged $200 million to deal with the disaster, while the United States has announced an additional $11 million for rescue and relief operations.
At this stage, attention remains focused on the search for the missing and on how emergency funds will be administered to address the massive damage on the ground.
The human and material toll places Colombia in front of one of the worst disasters of recent years.
Beyond the official figures, the tragedy remains unresolved for hundreds of families who still do not know the fate of their loved ones.