The devastating earthquake that struck Colombia earlier this month has now claimed more than 300 lives, as the scale of one of the country’s worst natural disasters in decades continues to emerge.

The death toll from the powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake has risen to 321 people, according to the latest figures attributed to Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). Another 4,595 people have been injured and 257 remain missing.

The earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in Chocó. Cities and communities across the country’s western regions were hit hard, including Cali, Pereira and Quibdó.

In the days immediately following the disaster, rescue crews searched collapsed buildings for survivors as thousands of families were forced from their homes.

More Than 30,000 Homes Destroyed

The human toll is only part of the devastation.

More than 30,800 homes have reportedly been destroyed, while approximately 152,000 others suffered damage and more than 300 buildings collapsed. Rescue operations have also managed to save 364 people.

The damage has extended to hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and other essential infrastructure.

Chocó has been particularly hard hit. The region was already struggling with poverty, limited infrastructure and difficult access to many remote communities before the earthquake. Around 69,000 people in Chocó alone have reportedly been displaced or otherwise affected by the disaster.

Colombia Begins the Long Process of Rebuilding

The economic impact is also enormous.

Preliminary estimates released by the Colombian government put earthquake-related losses at approximately 30 trillion Colombian pesos — around US$9.6 billion. Those estimates remain provisional as authorities continue assessing the destruction.

The Colombian government has declared an economic, social and ecological emergency as it moves from immediate rescue operations toward rebuilding homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and public infrastructure.

Support has also come from Colombia’s music and entertainment community.

Shakira recently travelled to earthquake-damaged Chocó and pledged through her Barefoot Foundation to help rebuild 10 schools, while other Latin artists have rallied behind relief efforts for communities affected by the disaster.

For Colombians at home and throughout the diaspora — including the large Colombian community here in Toronto — the numbers are heartbreaking.

More than 300 lives have now been lost, hundreds of thousands of people have been affected and entire communities face years of rebuilding.

But as rescue efforts transition into recovery, attention is now turning toward making sure those communities aren’t forgotten once the headlines disappear.