Colombia Earthquake: Red Cross Supports Recovery of Essential Community Infrastructure

A devastating earthquake on August 10 exacerbated humanitarian needs in communities already affected by armed conflicts in Colombia. In rural areas of Chocó and Valle del Cauca, the earthquake's damage added to years of displacement, confinement, explosive device presence, and difficulties accessing essential services like water, health, and education. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has defined a two-phase response to recover essential community infrastructure: initial emergency recovery and medium to high-complexity infrastructure rehabilitation. The ICRC is focusing on the most affected areas in Chocó and Valle del Cauca. The response aims to contribute to recovering essential services and supporting the most affected communities, especially in rural areas where recovery is more challenging.