A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III took off on Saturday en route to Colombia, loaded with crucial emergency supplies. The Southern Command announced on their X account that the aircraft is transporting shelter materials, water, hygiene items, and hundreds of Starlink kits to provide connectivity for humanitarian organizations and the Colombian government.
This mission is part of a humanitarian effort led by the State Department in response to the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, at a depth of 103 kilometers.
"Southern Command actively supports the U.S.-led humanitarian response led by the State Department following the August 10 earthquake in western Colombia. The United States stands in solidarity with the Colombian people during this crisis," stated the Southern Command in their post.
The aircraft departed from Homestead Air Reserve Base in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Upon arrival, the International Organization for Migration and the World Food Program will oversee the final distribution of supplies.
The disaster's toll has been severe, with over 260 fatalities and nearly 500 missing. More than 1,600 buildings have been damaged, and at least 61 have completely collapsed, according to figures recorded as of August 13.
The U.S. response has been robust from the outset. On Tuesday, August 11, the State Department announced an initial aid package of $15.5 million, followed by an additional $11 million on Friday, August 14, bringing the total committed to $26.5 million.
These funds are being distributed through Catholic Relief Services, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, IOM, UNICEF, the World Food Program, and World Vision, focusing on food assistance, healthcare, protection, shelter, and structural assessments.
In addition to the airlift, two Urban Search and Rescue teams—VA-TF1 from Fairfax County, Virginia, and USA-02 from the Los Angeles County Fire Department—arrived in Colombia on Wednesday, August 12, and are currently operating in Pereira.
The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá stated, "Members of VATF1 and LACOFD are in Pereira providing support in coordination and information management, as well as medical expertise, structural assessment, and rescue operations, to bolster the Colombian government's search and rescue efforts."
The swift response is underscored by the political context between the two nations. Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, took office just three days before the earthquake, succeeding Gustavo Petro. He has dramatically shifted the country's foreign policy by joining "Shield of the Americas," a regional security alliance promoted by Washington, and severing diplomatic ties with Cuba and Nicaragua.
In this context of renewed alliance, Washington had previously announced its intention to allocate $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, pending congressional approval.
Key Information About U.S. Aid to Colombia
What type of supplies is the U.S. sending to Colombia?
The U.S. is sending shelter materials, water, hygiene items, and Starlink kits to provide connectivity to aid organizations and the Colombian government.
How much financial aid has the U.S. committed to Colombia following the earthquake?
The U.S. has committed a total of $26.5 million in financial aid to assist Colombia in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Who is overseeing the distribution of supplies in Colombia?
The International Organization for Migration and the World Food Program are overseeing the distribution of supplies in Colombia.