World Bank releases $200 million to aid Colombia after deadly August quake

On Friday, the World Bank confirmed a $200 million funding package for Colombia’s emergency response to the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that hit western Colombia on the morning of August 10. The tremor toppled apartment blocks and damaged schools, hospitals and homes, resulting in 285 fatalities, nearly 4,000 injuries and roughly 400 people still missing. The bank is working with the Colombian government, development partners, financial institutions and private-sector actors to channel aid toward immediate needs such as public-health services, shelter and support for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Simultaneously, it has launched the Global Rapid Assessment of Damages from Earthquakes (GRADE) to provide early estimates of damage and economic loss, enabling Bogotá to prioritize assistance and reconstruction efforts. This dual approach aims to address urgent humanitarian gaps while laying the groundwork for longer-term recovery.