WASHINGTON, DC – RECOVERY efforts are continuing across Colombia following a devastating earthquake, as the country was struck by another tremor on Wednesday.
United Nations humanitarian officials say nearly 50,000 people across 25 municipalities in the worst-affected areas have so far received assistance.
The relief supplies include clean water, water storage equipment, temporary sanitation facilities and hygiene kits for adults and children.
The latest earthquake, measuring 5.1 in magnitude, struck on yesterday (Aug. 26) morning and was felt in several parts of the country, including the capital, Bogotá.
During a press briefing at UN Headquarters, Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said the UN humanitarian appeal for Colombia currently stands at US$620 million, but is only 47 percent funded.
He said additional financial support is urgently needed as the scale of the damage becomes clearer.
According to Colombian authorities, about 325,000 people have been affected by the earthquake, while approximately 31,000 homes have been destroyed. Thousands of schools, health facilities and other critical infrastructure have also been damaged or destroyed.
The UN says humanitarian teams will continue working with national authorities to provide assistance to communities affected by the disaster.
Dujarric said the UN's humanitarian response would be closely monitored, with further updates expected from the organization's team in Bogotá.
