Colombia earthquake deepens hunger in communities already under strain
The earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday (12 August) has intensified an already complex humanitarian crisis, driven by conflict and climate shocks.
Power outages continue in some areas, while damaged roads, collapsed bridges and fallen trees are cutting off communities. Assessments are still under way and the full scale of the damage is not yet clear. This is the second major disaster to hit the region in recent weeks, following the Venezuela earthquake in June.
Food insecurity is highest in areas now hit by the earthquake and the disaster is likely to deepen hunger.
"WFP stands in solidarity with the people of Colombia after the devastating earthquake," said Deputy Country Director Giulia Baldi. "Our teams report that communities remain shaken and fearful of further aftershocks.
"The first 72 hours after an earthquake are crucial for search and rescue, and for positioning food and relief supplies before needs escalate."
Hunger was already alarming before the earthquake
In Chocó, 31 percent of the population faces food insecurity, compounded by conflict and displacement, while in Valle del Cauca the figure stands at 29 percent. In total, 7 million people in Colombia’s most vulnerable regions were already experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity shock, leaving many households with limited capacity to absorb another.
Following the Government of Colombia's request for international assistance, the World Food Programme (WFP) is mobilizing support and stands ready to assist affected communities with food stocks already in-country and cash-based assistance.
WFP has supported vulnerable communities in Colombia for nearly six decades and has an established presence in several of the areas hardest hit by the earthquake. We have access to some of the hardest-hit areas, including remote communities only reachable by boat along river networks.
Cash and food assistance can be scaled up quickly
"WFP's pre-existing operational presence in affected areas provides a strong platform to quickly scale up support as needs become clearer," said DCD Baldi. "The stocks are located close enough to affected areas to enable a rapid response, with additional supplies available through WFP's regional and global supply networks."
WFP’s existing cash-programme activities can help families meet urgent needs and recover faster.
Around 4,500 metric tons of food are pre-positioned in Colombia, close enough to affected areas to enable a rapid response if needed. Additional supplies can be mobilized through WFP’s regional and global supply networks.
Major urban centres such as Cali, Pereira and Manizales remain relatively accessible and can be supported quickly. Reaching the hardest-hit remote communities will be far more challenging due to damaged infrastructure and limited transport links.