In the municipality of La Tebaida, the situation is critical with approximately 90 per cent of the houses destroyed. Cajamarca is the most affected municipality in this Department. A total of 229 houses have been damaged and the population have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The city church and the Municipal Palace have been also damaged. A preliminary analysis shows that approximately 60,000 hectares of coffee plantations have been directly or indirectly affected by the disaster.
Coffee is one of the primary exports in Colombia.
Request for international assistance 11. Through a circular to the bilateral and multilateral missions in Colombia, the Government of Colombia has formally requested international assistance for the victims of this earthquake. It should be stressed that most relief supplies requested can be bought locally. Donors should provide in advance pertinent information concerning type, quantity and value of the emergency goods, as well the flight details, date and port of entry. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement today launched a preliminary appeal for 11.7 million Swiss Francs targeting 100,000 people.