Bogota, Colombia – One week following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia, rescue efforts continue despite the razor-thin chances of survival. The disaster response, however, has entered a new phase, shifting focus from immediate rescue to comprehensive housing and basic necessities for those displaced by the quake. Official figures reveal vast destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses, though the full extent of the devastation remains being assessed. Fifteen of Colombia’s 32 provinces were affected, resulting in at least 289 deaths and 4,187 injuries, according to the latest data released by the Colombian government. The earthquake struck San Jose del Palmar, a rural town in Colombia’s Pacific region, and devastated swaths of nearby cities like Pereira, Quibdo, and Cali. In total, 127,557 homes were damaged, with 26,945 destroyed, representing a significant portion of the country’s housing stock. The disaster also devastated other institutions, including 285 health centres and 2,838 educational facilities. Economically, 407 roads, 92 water supply systems, 44 vehicular bridges, and five airports were impacted, severely disrupting critical infrastructure.
Emergency response teams have carried out an unrelenting rescue effort, saving 354 lives in the first week. As of Sunday night, 143 people remain unaccounted for, a number that remains a significant concern, though an unofficial online database called Colombia Te Busca estimates over 3,000 missing individuals. In the past week, emergency response teams have been bolstered by international support from countries like Israel, the United States, and Mexico, with over 120,000 families affected by the earthquake. Authorities are under immense pressure to shelter the homeless, with the government prioritizing immediate shelter and refuge, but the long-term continuity of support remains a critical challenge. Egido Sanz, the country director for Colombia at ActionAid, emphasized the shift in priorities: ‘The immediate focus now is on shelter and refuge, with a strong emphasis on providing aid to vulnerable communities.’
Local rescue efforts have been significantly boosted by international teams, including those from Israel, the United States, and Mexico. The seven-storey Vanessa Building in Cali has been temporarily suspended from search and rescue operations, while the recovery of bodies has become a priority. Local authorities are converting spaces like sports stadiums and community centres into temporary shelters, receiving donations from citizens, hospitals, and local authorities. Veronica Echeverry, overseeing a shelter at a community hall in Cali, stated that they’ve received support from many people, hospitals, and local authorities. However, few people who have lost their homes have sought shelter, largely due to the wealth of wealthier areas and the prevalence of armed conflict, drug trafficking, and illegal gold mining in Choco, Colombia’s poorest department.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has pledged a reconstruction fund of $6.4 billion to repair the damage, alongside a $450 million credit line from the World Bank. The earthquake has unleashed significant economic destruction, with Nestor Martinez, a bicycle shop owner in Buenaventura, estimating that the disaster has cost him approximately $350 million. He has spent the last week cleaning up debris and conducting an audit, which reveals the extent of the damage. The government has also declared an economic emergency, granting him powers to raise funds through new taxes. The situation in the wider province, particularly in areas inaccessible by river, remains unclear.
The earthquake has also unleashed immense economic hardship in Colombia, with dozens of businesses and homes damaged, including the devastation of Martinez’s shop.
Despite the challenges, the country is beginning to turn to the long-term consequences of the disaster, emergency responders continue the arduous labour of digging through the rubble.
Sergeant Bustamente confirmed that the chances of finding life under the rubble have dropped significantly, and response teams’ priorities are shifting towards a medium-term emergency. The ongoing recovery process is a complex undertaking, requiring significant resources and international collaboration.
Source: Al Jazeera
