The World Bank has disbursed $200 million in emergency assistance to support the Colombian government following a devastating earthquake that has killed at least 265 people.
The international financial institution said the emergency funds were released on August 13 as Colombia continues to respond to the disaster.
Rapid assistance
The World Bank also said it had launched a rapid assessment to determine the cost of damage caused by the earthquake and help the Colombian government establish an initial estimate of its economic impact.
“The World Bank disbursed $200 million in emergency assistance on August 13,” the institution said in a statement.
It added that the rapid assessment would help determine the scale of the earthquake’s damage and provide the government with an initial picture of the financial consequences of the disaster.
Recovery efforts
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, causing widespread destruction and leaving thousands injured. The death toll had reached at least 265 by Thursday, with hundreds of people still reported missing.
The disaster has damaged homes and critical infrastructure across several parts of the country, while rescue teams continue searching affected areas.
The World Bank’s emergency support is intended to help Colombia address immediate needs while the damage assessment provides a basis for planning the country’s wider recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Source: CNA
