UN continues scaling up response to earthquake in Colombia

The UN on Wednesday continued scaling up assistance to areas affected by the deadly earthquake that hit Colombia two days earlier. According to latest official figures, the 7.4 magnitude quake has left more than 200 dead and injured over 2,500, said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, briefing journalists in New York. Homes and public infrastructure have also been severely damaged. Humanitarian assessments are ongoing, particularly in the hardest-hit areas around Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdo, where disruptions to communications, transport and public services continue to impede relief operations. “ Children have seen their homes and schools damaged and are facing growing risks as essential services remain disrupted in the hardest-hit communities ,” said, UNICEF ’s Country Representative, Tanya Chapuisat. UNICEF has been active in the Chocó region for over two decades, so it is coordinating its response with national and local authorities and partners.

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