Red Cross launches 24-month aid appeal for Colombia earthquake

The Red Cross has issued an emergency appeal for a 24-month humanitarian response in Colombia following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in San José del Palmar. The seismic event has impacted at least 14 departments, with rapid response teams deployed to Chocó, Risaralda, Caldas, and Valle del Cauca.

Authorities noted that the earthquake's depth caused widespread damage across both urban and rural areas. The severity of the impact is exacerbated by structural vulnerabilities in rural regions, where many buildings were constructed without strict anti-seismic regulations or suffer from poor maintenance. Additionally, numerous health centers have sustained damage, complicating the delivery of medical assistance.