The U.S. government is providing critical humanitarian assistance following the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10. On August 12, the Department of State announced an additional $11 million in aid, bringing total U.S. support to $26.5 million. This funding will support food distribution, healthcare services, shelter, and protection programs for affected communities. The Department is also coordinating with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Southern Command to transport relief supplies from its Miami prepositioning warehouse to Colombia, ensuring rapid delivery of essential resources.
Expansions in Humanitarian Aid and Emergency Relief
The total $26.5 million in assistance includes the new $11 million allocation and builds upon the initial $15.5 million announced on August 11. The funding will be distributed through trusted partners such as Catholic Relief Services, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Organization for Migration, UNICEF, the UN World Food Program, and World Vision. Of the initial $15.5 million, $3 million allocated to CRS incorporates funds from a prior global assistance award. Additionally, the United States has contributed $200 million to the Colombia Pooled Fund under its $3.8 billion commitment to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), enabling flexible support for both earthquake-related and preexisting humanitarian needs in the region.
Logistical Support and Technology-Driven Response
The Department of State is leveraging U.S. Southern Command to coordinate the transport of relief goods from its Miami facility. The first shipment, scheduled to depart Homestead Air Force Base, will carry shelter materials, water purification systems, and hygiene supplies. Upon arrival in Colombia, the International Organization for Migration and World Food Program will manage last-mile distribution to impacted communities. The mission also includes deploying hundreds of Starlink satellite internet kits to enhance communication capabilities for humanitarian organizations and local authorities. This effort follows a pre-established agreement between Starlink and the State Department.
Deployment of Urban Search and Rescue Teams
In collaboration with Colombian authorities, the Department of State has activated two Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) technical support teams. These teams, drawn from the Fairfax County (Virginia) and Los Angeles County (California) fire departments, arrived in Colombia on August 12 to provide critical coordination, communications, and structural engineering expertise to ongoing search and rescue operations.
Assistance for U.S. Citizens in Colombia
The U.S. government prioritizes the safety and security of its citizens. The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is offering continuous support through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides safety alerts and updates. Americans in Colombia are encouraged to register at STEP.state.gov, follow @TravelGov and @USEmbassyBogota on social media, and contact the Department’s 24-hour hotline (888-407-4747 from the U.S. or Canada; +1 202-501-4444 internationally) for immediate assistance.