As rubble clears, Colombia begins focusing on recovery after the earthquake | Earthquakes News
BOGOTA, Colombia – A magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia last week has killed at least 289 people and injured more than 4,000, prompting an extensive rescue and relief operation.
As rescue teams begin to shift focus and wrap up immediate operations, aid organizations are transitioning toward long-term recovery efforts for the thousands left homeless by the disaster. Fifteen of Colombia’s 32 provinces were impacted, with significant damage reported in cities like Pereira, Quibdo, and Cali.
Initial assessments indicate extensive destruction, with over 127,000 homes damaged and nearly 27,000 completely destroyed. The earthquake also devastated critical infrastructure, affecting 285 health centers, 2,838 schools, and significant parts of the economic infrastructure, including roads, water supply systems, and airports.
Emergency responders have managed to locate and save 354 individuals over the past week, but as of Sunday night, 143 people remain unaccounted for, according to government figures. A separate online database estimates that more than 3,000 people could be missing.
Sergeant Joel Bustamente of the Bogota Fire Department reported a significant decrease in the likelihood of finding survivors beneath the rubble. He noted that many search-and-rescue operations have transitioned into recovery efforts, including the demolition of structures that pose additional risks.
In some areas, such as the Vanessa Building in Cali, search operations have ceased, with efforts focusing on recovering bodies. Enrique Zapata, head of logistics for a local health NGO, confirmed that operations were halted on Friday, emphasizing the shift toward recovery.
Despite the grim situation, some volunteers, including Maximiliano Herrera, remain hopeful. Herrera stated that rescue teams have been joined by international teams from countries like Israel, the United States, and Mexico, enhancing local efforts.
With over 120,000 families affected, pressure mounts on authorities to provide shelter for those displaced. Local officials have converted public facilities into temporary housing to assist those in need. Veronica Echeverry, who runs a shelter in Cali, reported receiving community support to help meet urgent needs.
However, the demand for shelter varies across the affected regions. In wealthier areas, many displaced families are relying on friends and relatives for housing, resulting in limited use of temporary shelters.
Meanwhile, the economic repercussions of the earthquake are becoming apparent. Local business owners like Néstor Martínez, whose bicycle shop in Buenaventura sustained severe damage, face dire financial situations. Martínez estimates his losses at approximately 350 million pesos ($111,000), without insurance coverage for such disasters.
International assistance has begun to flow in, with donations including a €2 million ($2.3 million) commitment from the European Union and $15.5 million from the United States. In response, President Abelardo de la Espriella has established a reconstruction fund and declared an economic emergency, allowing the government to seek additional funding.
This disaster marks the first major challenge for de la Espriella since his inauguration just three days before the earthquake. The government’s response has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the acceptance of international aid based on political alignment.
As Colombia moves toward recovery, the painstaking work of emergency responders continues. “The search for survivors continues; there’s always the possibility of miracles,” Sergeant Bustamente stated, reflecting the struggle for hope in the aftermath of this tragedy.
