UN Food Programme scales up aid in Colombia after earthquake

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is expanding emergency relief operations in Colombia following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on August 10, with a focus on the hardest-hit and most vulnerable areas.

The WFP said more than 2,000 people received assistance in Pereira and Quibdó on August 16 alone. The organisation plans to expand its humanitarian operations throughout the week, drawing on food reserves and its network of field offices and logistics centres in Cali, Quibdó and Medellín “to reach everyone in need," Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The earthquake has worsened food insecurity in areas already facing significant humanitarian challenges. The WFP said that even before the earthquake, around 7 million people in Colombia were experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity.

“In Chocó and Valle del Cauca, almost a third of the population is food insecure. This situation is now worsening,” the WFP said, as families have lost homes, livelihoods and access to essential services.

The earthquake struck near the town of San José del Palmar in Chocó. According to the latest figures provided, 289 people have died, 4,187 have been injured and 142 remain missing.

A total of 26,945 homes have been destroyed and another 127,557 damaged, according to the figures cited.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Esprieya has estimated direct material damage from the earthquake at 30 trillion pesos ($9.6 billion).

By Sabina Mammadli