On 10 August, Colombia was struck by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake, affecting 380 municipalities, with the most significant impacts reported in Chocó, the Eje Cafetero and Valle del Cauca. Preliminary reports indicate that 181 people have died and 2,754 have been injured, while search and rescue operations remain ongoing.
The earthquake’s epicentre was located in San José del Palmar, in Chocó Department. Characterized by remote and rural areas, Chocó relies heavily on river and air transport as the primary means of access, creating significant challenges for the delivery of essential services and supplies. Existing structural vulnerabilities in the department further exacerbate the impact of the disaster and the difficulties faced by affected communities.
The earthquake’s epicentre was located in San José del Palmar, in Chocó Department. Characterized by remote and rural areas, Chocó relies heavily on river and air transport as the primary means of access, creating significant challenges for the delivery of essential services and supplies. Existing structural vulnerabilities in the department further exacerbate the impact of the disaster and the difficulties faced by affected communities.
The healthcare network has been significantly affected, with 1,172 health facilities reportedly impacted. At the same time, the surge in demand for medical care resulting from the large number of people injured has placed considerable pressure on already strained health services. Disruptions to essential healthcare services pose heightened risks to pregnant women and newborns.
Preliminary assessments indicate that more than 19,000 homes have been damaged and 3,971 destroyed, displacing thousands of people. Displacement, overcrowding in temporary shelters, disruption of community support systems and economic hardship are increasing protection risks, including gender-based violence, exploitation and abuse, particularly for women and girls.
UNFPA is on the ground, working with partners to mobilize resources and rapidly assess and respond to the most urgent sexual and reproductive health and protection needs of women, girls, adolescents and other people in vulnerable situations. Priority areas include maternal healthcare, emergency obstetric care, family planning, prevention of and response to gender-based violence, and the clinical management of rape.
UNFPA is on the ground, working with partners to mobilize resources and rapidly assess and respond to the most urgent sexual and reproductive health and protection needs of women, girls, adolescents and other people in vulnerable situations. Priority areas include maternal healthcare, emergency obstetric care, family planning, prevention of and response to gender-based violence, and the clinical management of rape.
