Colombia’s president pegs early quake losses at $12.2 billion
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The 7.4-magnitude quake toppled buildings in various parts of western Colombia, including the major cities of Cali and Pereira.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Colombia's President Abelardo De La Espriella estimates early economic losses from the 7.4-magnitude earthquake at 30 trillion pesos (S$12.23 billion), mainly in buildings and infrastructure.
- The quake caused 280 deaths, over 4,000 injuries, and 143 people missing, affecting cities like Cali and Pereira with widespread destruction.
- This disaster is President De La Espriella's first major crisis, requiring him to lead relief and reconstruction efforts amid ongoing damage assessments.
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BOGOTA – The economic losses from a powerful earthquake that struck Colombia last week are expected to reach 30 trillion pesos (S$12.23 billion), Colombia's President Abelardo De La Espriella said on Aug 17.
De La Espriella said the impact included roughly 24.5 trillion pesos in buildings and 5.5 trillion pesos in infrastructure.
“Just imagine the scale of the disaster,” De La Espriella said, noting that the figures were likely to change. “This is a preliminary figure that will be adjusted as we obtain more information and as the damage caused by this earthquake is assessed in each of the regions.”
The 7.4-magnitude quake toppled buildings in various parts of western Colombia, including the major cities of Cali and Pereira, killing 280 people, injuring more than 4,000, and leaving another 143 people missing.
By comparison, the earthquakes that struck neighbouring Venezuela on June 24 caused damage to housing and infrastructure estimated at US$37 billion (S$47.26 billion), according to an initial assessment by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction published last month.
The Colombia quake is the first major crisis facing De La Espriella, who took office just days before and now must oversee relief and reconstruction efforts. REUTERS
