Earthquake in Colombia: Government Estimates Damage at Over $9.5 Billion

15:55

The earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10 caused significant damage, estimated at approximately $9.57 billion according to a preliminary assessment presented on Tuesday by President Abelardo de la Espriella. The human toll reports 289 dead and 4,187 injured, while assessment and rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit areas.

With a magnitude of 7.4, the earthquake particularly affected cities on the Pacific coast and in the coffee-growing region. Thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged, including schools and healthcare facilities.

Essential infrastructure has not been spared. Roads, bridges, and airports have suffered significant damage, complicating travel and the delivery of aid in several sectors.

Over 120,000 Families Affected

In his first speech as president, Abelardo de la Espriella indicated that 143 people are still reported missing. More than 120,000 families are believed to have been affected by the disaster.

The extent of the destruction spans nearly a third of Colombian territory. The financial assessment, conducted by a private company, remains provisional. The head of state emphasized that this amount is likely to change as authorities gather more accurate information about the damage recorded in each region.

This initial estimate, however, provides an idea of the scale of the rebuilding effort that awaits the country, as several essential sectors need to be rebuilt or restored.

A Comprehensive Reconstruction Program Announced

In light of the extent of the damage, the Colombian government has decided to mobilize a specific reconstruction mechanism. The Minister of Housing has been tasked with implementing the "Miracle Reconstruction Plan," in coordination with companies in the construction sector, financial institutions, and insurance companies.

Governors and mayors of the affected territories must also participate in this program, aimed at accelerating the return to normalcy in the disaster-stricken areas.

The government has simultaneously declared a national state of disaster and activated an economic and social emergency mechanism. A fund is to be established to centralize national and international contributions intended to finance reconstruction efforts.

Healthcare and educational institutions, public and private buildings, as well as transport infrastructure are among the identified priorities.

Epicenter Located in the Pacific Region

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the municipality of San José del Palmar, in the Colombian Pacific region. The earthquake was also felt in several neighboring countries, including Ecuador and Panama.

The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) has also recorded over 250 aftershocks since August 10. This persistent seismic activity maintains a high level of vigilance in the affected territories.

Presented as one of the most powerful earthquakes recorded in Colombia in the 21st century, the phenomenon has profoundly affected populations and infrastructure across a vast part of the country.

As the human toll may still evolve, authorities now face a dual challenge: addressing the immediate needs of the victims and organizing large-scale reconstruction. With damages estimated in the billions of dollars, the disaster is expected to sustainably mobilize public resources and private and international partners.