August 20: Colombia has declared an emergency in several earthquake-hit regions as authorities intensify relief and recovery efforts following a powerful tremor that caused widespread damage.
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake, which struck western Colombia on August 10, damaged homes, roads, schools and public infrastructure, with communities in the Chocó region among the worst affected.
More than 262,000 people across 15 departments have been affected, according to government figures. Thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed, leaving many families in need of shelter, medical care and basic supplies.
Emergency teams are continuing to assess the damage and reach affected communities, while authorities work to restore essential services and support families who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
The emergency declaration is expected to help speed up relief operations and reconstruction in the worst-hit areas. National agencies and international partners are also supporting the recovery effort as Colombia begins the difficult task of rebuilding affected communities.
