The United States announced an additional $11 million in humanitarian aid on Friday for the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that caused widespread destruction in western Colombia. The earthquake struck on August 10.
The U.S. Department of State said the total amount allocated for the earthquake response had risen to $26.5 million with the latest contribution. The aid will cover food, health, protection and shelter needs, and will also support structural assessments of buildings.
Earthquake toll continues to rise
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management announced that the number of people killed in the earthquake had risen to 285. The toll also includes 3,975 injured people, while 379 people remain missing.
Search-and-rescue teams rescued 354 people. International search-and-rescue teams were also sent to the region to assist with operations in collapsed structures and confined spaces.
U.S. aid departs from Miami
The United States is working with the military's Southern Command to ship relief supplies. The first plane sent from a U.S. Department of State warehouse in Miami carried shelter, water and hygiene supplies, as well as hundreds of Starlink kits to support communications.
Two U.S.-based urban search-and-rescue technical teams arrived in Colombia on Wednesday. The teams are providing coordination, communications and structural engineering support for the Colombian-led rescue operations.
Homes and critical infrastructure damaged
The earthquake affected many cities in western Colombia. The region suffered widespread destruction, with homes, schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure facilities damaged.
Rescue and relief operations are continuing. Authorities are working to reach missing people, support affected communities and assess the extent of the damage.
