The State Department mobilized consular and disaster assistance following an earthquake in Colombia, activating a 24/7 emergency line for U.S. citizens in the country, on Aug. 11.
The State Department urged American citizens in Colombia to contact the emergency line if they require assistance, according to the agency’s announcement. The response reflects standing federal obligations to protect U.S. citizens abroad during natural disasters.
The magnitude and specific location of the earthquake were not detailed in the State Department’s release. Colombia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences regular seismic activity, with several major earthquakes in its history causing significant casualties and destruction.
A significant American expatriate and tourist community resides in and visits Colombia. The country has become an increasingly popular destination for U.S. tourists and remote workers in recent years, particularly in cities such as Medellin, Bogota and Cartagena.
Whether USAID disaster response assets were activated separately was not immediately clear. The State Department’s consular response is typically the first layer of U.S. government engagement during overseas natural disasters, followed by humanitarian assistance if the affected country requests it.
U.S. citizens in Colombia were advised to monitor the State Department’s travel advisory page and follow instructions from local authorities.