Earthquake damage estimated at $9.6bn as death toll reaches 280
Colombia is facing an estimated 30 trillion pesos ($9.58 billion) in economic losses following a powerful earthquake that struck parts of the country last week, President Abelardo De La Espriella has said.
The preliminary assessment puts damage to buildings at about 24.5 trillion pesos, while another 5.5 trillion pesos is estimated to have affected infrastructure. The president said the figures could rise as authorities conduct more detailed assessments across the affected regions.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake caused widespread destruction in western Colombia, including the cities of Cali and Pereira. At least 280 people have been killed, more than 4,000 injured and 143 others remain missing, with rescue teams continuing efforts to search affected areas.
The disaster represents the first major crisis for De La Espriella, who assumed office only days before the earthquake and is now overseeing the government’s emergency response and reconstruction plans. Authorities are expected to refine the damage estimates as recovery operations continue.
