US Colombia earthquake aid worth $15.5 million has been announced as the country struggles with the aftermath of a devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake. At least 111 people have been confirmed dead, while rescue crews continue searching damaged buildings across western Colombia for survivors.

US disaster aid reaches $15.5 million

The US State Department announced $15.5 million in emergency assistance on Monday, saying the funding would support shelter, food, protection and assessments of damage caused by the earthquake. Washington also expressed support for President Abelardo de la Espriella, who had taken office only days before the disaster.

The aid package adds an international dimension to what has quickly become one of Colombia's most serious recent natural disasters. The earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, with the epicentre near San José del Palmar in Chocó. Authorities have confirmed widespread destruction in Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales.

Colombia quake rescue operations intensify

At least 111 people were reported dead and 87 injured in initial official figures, while more than 1,500 buildings were damaged and dozens completely collapsed. Rescue teams continued working through rubble as officials warned that the human toll could change as inaccessible areas were reached.

Cali has emerged as one of the major centres of the emergency response. Residents, firefighters and specialist rescue teams have searched collapsed structures for trapped people, while damaged roads and other infrastructure have complicated access to some affected communities.

Authorities also remain concerned about aftershocks, prompting many residents to remain outside damaged homes until structural inspections are completed.

Colombia emergency response expands nationwide

President de la Espriella declared a national emergency and placed rescue efforts at the centre of his government's response. The earthquake represents an immediate test for the new administration, which had been in office for only a few days when the disaster struck.

Damage has extended beyond residential buildings. Hospitals, schools, roads and airports were affected across several departments, forcing authorities to conduct safety assessments and temporarily disrupt transportation services.

The earthquake was also strongly felt in Bogotá despite the capital being hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre.

International earthquake aid begins arriving

International assistance is beginning to complement Colombia's domestic response. The European Union activated its Copernicus Emergency Management Service for the disaster on August 10. The system uses satellite imagery and geospatial analysis to help authorities map affected areas and assess damage.

Other governments have also offered support as Colombia moves from immediate rescue operations toward emergency shelter, infrastructure assessment and longer-term recovery.

The US package is significant because it provides immediate resources while search operations are still underway. However, the priority remains locating survivors and establishing the true scale of destruction.

With hundreds of buildings affected and some communities still difficult to assess, Colombia's recovery will extend well beyond the initial emergency. The $15.5 million US commitment marks an early international response, but the eventual humanitarian and reconstruction costs are likely to be substantially greater.