Earthquake in Colombia Puts New Relationship with U.S. to the Test: Trump Sends $15.5 Million

U.S. assistance surpasses international contributions announced so far and arrives days after the inauguration of Abelardo de la Espriella.

The United States announced $15.5 million in aid to Colombia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck several regions, leaving at least 111 people dead, according to EFE.

Why it matters: Washington leads international aid efforts as a new era begins between Donald Trump and the newly sworn-in government of Abelardo de la Espriella.

U.S. Allocates $15.5 Million to Address the Emergency

The State Department reported that U.S. resources will be used for emergency shelter, food, protection, and damage assessments caused by the earthquake.

Washington expressed its solidarity with the Colombian people and assured that it is prepared to support De la Espriella’s government as needs are identified on the ground.

In numbers: The $15.5 million announced by the U.S. far exceeds the $500,000 offered by CAF and the $700,000 from the IDB and the World Bank.

Prior to the announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had assured that Washington was monitoring the situation and ready to provide support.

Rubio also asked U.S. citizens in Colombia to register on the State Department’s website and follow the communications of the Embassy in Bogotá.

Powerful Earthquake Hits Western and Central Colombia

The earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.4, according to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), and had its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó.

The coffee region in central Colombia was among the most affected areas. Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Chocó, and Caldas also reported impacts from the quake.

The toll: CAF reported a partial death toll of 111 while authorities continued to assess the damage and needs generated by the emergency.

CAF announced a donation of $500,000 for humanitarian aid. The World Bank will contribute $200,000 to assess damage, and the IDB will provide another $500,000.

Of the IDB’s resources, $350,000 will be immediately available to the Red Cross, and $150,000 will be allocated to technical support, according to Vice President José Manuel Restrepo.

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Aid Arrives as De la Espriella’s Government Begins

The earthquake also occurs at a particular political moment for the bilateral relationship.

De la Espriella took office on Friday and, according to EFE, came to power after receiving electoral support from Trump.

Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, born in Bogotá, also expressed solidarity and assured that the United States is prepared to support its «great ally».

The context: Washington celebrated De la Espriella’s inauguration and announced its intention to allocate $1 billion for a security package.

This announcement is independent of the $15.5 million specifically allocated to address the consequences of the earthquake.

The damage assessment will determine the next steps

Colombian authorities and international organizations will now have to determine the full extent of the losses and the most urgent needs.

What’s next: Part of the announced assistance will allow for damage assessments, while other resources will be directed towards humanitarian aid and technical support.

The response to the earthquake thus becomes one of the first concrete tests of cooperation between Washington and the new Colombian government.