Humanitarians step up Colombia earthquake response efforts: UN

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 50,000 people in Colombia have received assistance across 25 municipalities in the most affected areas since the 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the country more than two weeks ago, UN humanitarians said Wednesday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the still-increasing aid, in support of the government's efforts, includes clean water, water storage equipment, temporary sanitation facilities, and hygiene kits for adults and children.

"Health partners are keeping essential services running, including trauma care, disease surveillance, and providing power to health facilities," OCHA said. "Partners have started to identify priorities for recovery and longer-term reconstruction."

Authorities reported that 325,000 people were affected by the earthquake, with 331 deaths, 4,439 injured and 240 people missing, the office said. More than 31,000 homes were destroyed, and 378 health centers and 3,758 schools were damaged, leaving more than 400,000 children and adolescents without access to education.

OCHA said the 620-million-U.S.-dollar humanitarian needs and response plan for Colombia is only 47 percent funded. Enditem