Massive Earthquake in Colombia: Over 3,000 Missing and $15.5M U.S. Aid Pledged

More than 3,000 people remain missing in Colombia after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on Tuesday. This tragic event has led to a frantic search for survivors and a $15.5 million aid commitment from the Trump administration.

Images and videos from the aftermath in Colombia reveal the tireless efforts of first responders working through the rubble and debris to find survivors. Mayors and governors from areas including Cali, Pereira, Chocó, and Manizalez reported 179 fatalities in these regions as of Tuesday. However, federal estimates last updated shortly after the quake on Monday indicated at least 111 deaths, according to a report from The Associated Press.

We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support President Abelardo De la Espriella and his government as they assess the needs on the ground, the State Department stated on the platform X. It further confirmed, The Trump Administration is committing $15.5 million in funding for emergency shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments.

More than 1,600 buildings have been damaged or collapsed across the country, as reported by the Associated Press. A significant number of people remain missing following the quake’s devastation.

Colombian President Abelardo De la Espriella, who took office recently, visited Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, on Monday night. He announced a comprehensive response involving the full deployment of military and police resources, including engineers, rescue workers, and search dogs.

Chocó will never again be the ‘land of the forgotten,’ President De la Espriella declared.

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed that the epicenter of the earthquake was in San José del Palmar, a town located within the western Chocó region near the Pacific Ocean.

President De la Espriella also communicated via platform X, emphasizing the national government’s support for Chocó’s residents. He highlighted that immediate financial resources and humanitarian support have been allocated to assist over 1,400 affected families. Medical efforts have prioritized transferring the injured to Medellín, leveraging all available hospital capacities to provide necessary care.

The Associated Press contributed information to this report.