US deploys disaster specialists to Colombia following earthquake

The United States has deployed disaster management specialists and allocated millions of US dollars to assist Colombia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country.

“The Trump administration has mobilised an immediate response after a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck several regions of Colombia on 10 August,” the US State Department said in a statement on Tuesday (11/8).

Hours after the earthquake, the US State Department announced emergency aid worth 15.5 million US dollars, or approximately Rp252.6 billion, for the provision of emergency shelter, food, and protection for victims.

The assistance also includes assessments of the structural condition of buildings affected by the earthquake.

The US has also allocated 200 million US dollars, or approximately Rp3.27 trillion, in humanitarian funds for Colombia through the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

These funds are part of the US contribution previously announced at 3.8 billion US dollars, or approximately Rp62.1 trillion, to OCHA.

The earthquake occurred on Monday (10/8), with its epicentre near San Jose del Palmar in the administrative region of Choco. Tremors were felt across most of Colombia and neighbouring countries.

The death toll from the earthquake has reached 224 people, while more than 800 others have been injured.