The United States has activated its emergency response apparatus after a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on August 10. The Department of State has committed $15.5 million in immediate humanitarian assistance, providing emergency shelter, food supplies, and protection services, along with post-earthquake structural assessments. A Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) has been deployed, with specialists arriving in Colombia on the day of the quake to deliver rapid-life saving support during the critical initial period following natural disasters in the hemisphere. The State Department is coordinating directly with President Abelardo de la Espriella and Colombian authorities to evaluate earthquake impacts and coordinate the response efforts.
Disaster Assistance Response Team Deployment
The Department has deployed a DART equipped with world-class disaster response expertise, technical and programmatic support, operational leadership, and on-the-ground coordination capabilities. This specialized team is responsible for assessing conditions, identifying humanitarian needs, and directing the U.S. Government’s disaster response operations. The DART works closely with existing Department assistance personnel and diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota to coordinate with local authorities and partner organizations on the ground.
Life-Saving Humanitarian Assistance Through Trusted Partners
In response to the earthquake, the State Department is mobilizing an initial $15.5 million in life-saving emergency shelter, food, and protection assistance, along with post-earthquake structural assessments, through trusted partners including Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the International Organization for Migration, Miyamoto International, the UN World Food Program, and World Vision. Of the $15.5 million in life-saving assistance, $3 million provided through CRS draws from the previously announced CRS global assistance award. With funding already secured through its global award, CRS can respond immediately through support from the State Department. Additionally, as part of the Department’s $3.8 billion contribution to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United States has provided $200 million to the Colombia Pooled Fund, which OCHA can use to address earthquake-related needs as well as preexisting humanitarian needs in Colombia.
Supporting Americans in Colombia
The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans. The Department of State is working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens and their families in the affected areas. Americans in Colombia should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at STEP.state.gov to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy. They should follow @TravelGov and @USEmbassyBogota on social media for the latest information. The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs maintains a call center for Americans seeking information or assistance in connection with the Colombia earthquake: call from within the United States 888-407-4747, or from all other locations +1 202-501-4444.
