The powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10 has caused damage estimated at around $9.57 billion, according to a preliminary estimate made public by President Abelardo de la Esprija.
The death toll is 289 dead and 4,187 injured, while 143 people are still missing.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake caused extensive damage to about a third of the country's territory. Thousands of homes, buildings, schools and hospitals were damaged or collapsed, especially in cities along the Pacific coast and in areas known for coffee cultivation.
The president stated that the value of the damages has been calculated by a private company and that the figure may change as authorities receive more complete data from the affected areas.
A week after the earthquake, emergency teams continue to work to clear the rubble and search for missing people, although the chances of finding survivors are now slim.
The earthquake also represents the first major challenge for the new government of President Abelardo de la Esprija, who took office on August 7, just three days before the disaster.
The President has ordered the Ministry of Housing to draft and implement a comprehensive reconstruction plan, in collaboration with construction companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, governors and mayors.
Colombia has also received international assistance from the United States, the European Union, and institutions such as the World Bank to cope with the consequences of the earthquake.
