Earthquake in Colombia: In Pereira, victims forced to "start from scratch"

In Pereira, in western Colombia, several families are still sleeping in parks or temporary accommodations, a month after the powerful earthquake of August 10, 2026. According to the official toll established on September 10, the disaster left 331 dead, 4.505 injured and 111 missing.

The earthquake, measuring 7,4 on the Richter scale, had its epicenter in San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó. It affected 466.345 people in 497 municipalities spread across 16 departments.

Families still living in tents

Fanery Andrade, a 41-year-old street vendor, lives in a tent with her family in a park in Pereira. Her home, located a few meters away, collapsed after she managed to escape.

"We are still here because the rents are impossible, we have looked, it is outrageously expensive, they have reached stratospheric levels," she explained to AFP.

The woman in her forties, who suffers from anemia and other health problems, preferred to stay with six neighboring families rather than move into group housing. "We all help each other out," she says. She now hopes to find a small house and set up her fried food stall again.

Fear also remains, given the risk of further aftershocks. "We still sleep with fear in our stomachs," she confides, pointing to the ruins of her former home.

More than 36.000 homes destroyed

The Colombian National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) reports 36.327 homes destroyed and 201.939 others damaged. Some 759 buildings also collapsed.

The damage also affected public facilities and infrastructure: 4.316 schools, 397 health centers, 521 roads, 107 road bridges, 141 water supply networks and five airports were affected.

The government estimates the losses at $9,5 billion. Given the extent of the damage, the reconstruction of housing, public services, and infrastructure is expected to take several years.

Housing assistance still awaited

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office three days before the earthquake, announced housing assistance of up to approximately 245 euros per month for three months for households whose homes were destroyed or declared uninhabitable.

The payment is conditional upon prior registration of households in the single register of victims. Several victims interviewed in Pereira, however, claim not to have yet received this aid.

In the department of Risaralda alone, authorities also announced 908 housing improvement projects, including 261 in Pereira. The planned investment amounts to 30 billion Colombian pesos.

Inspections to determine which buildings can be reoccupied

Before starting the work, the Colombian authorities adopted a common method for assessing damaged buildings. An initial visual inspection allows the structures to be classified into three categories: green for unrestricted use, yellow when access or occupancy must be limited, and red in case of danger of collapse.

This initial classification remains provisional and may be revised in the event of an aftershock. Buildings classified as yellow or red must undergo a detailed assessment by qualified professionals to determine the necessary repairs or their future.

Hospitals, schools, essential service networks, and other vital infrastructure are being given priority assessment. These assessments should help organize the return of residents, the restoration of services, and the scheduling of rehabilitation or reconstruction projects.

Businesses and economic activities also suffered losses

The disaster also deprived many residents of their livelihoods. After losing the family shop selling scented candles and disposable tableware where she had worked for 28 years, Francia Elena Vasquez set up stalls in a parking lot made available to her.

"Thanks to the community, to the people, (...) we are getting through this," she says.

Matias Vélez, a 36-year-old caregiver injured during the earthquake, had to return to live with his parents after his apartment collapsed. "We have to start from scratch," he summarizes.

After the emergency rescue operations, which allowed 356 people to be extracted alive from the rubble, Colombia is now entering a reconstruction phase which includes rehousing, securing buildings, restoring public services and resuming economic activity.