Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia this morning, particularly those who have lost loved ones, been injured, or seen their homes destroyed and communities damaged. The fear of aftershocks is bringing another layer of fear and uncertainty for those coping with the earthquake’s aftermath. We have been in touch with our CARE staff in Colombia and, thankfully, they are all accounted for and safe. We are also checking on our partners and the communities we work with as we seek to better understand the impact of the earthquake.
The epicentre was near San José del Palmar in the western department of Chocó, but shaking was felt across much of Colombia, including as far away as Bogotá. Some of the most serious impacts reported so far are in western and central-western Colombia, including Pereira, Quibdó, Cali and Manizales. Deaths and injuries have been reported, along with collapsed and damaged buildings and damage to critical infrastructure. Search and rescue operations are continuing, while the suspension of flights at several regional airports and other disruptions are adding to the challenges facing affected communities. The full extent of the damage and humanitarian needs is still becoming clear.
We are particularly concerned about women and girls, children, older people and people with disabilities, who can face additional challenges in the aftermath of large-scale disasters like this. When homes are destroyed and families are displaced, existing inequalities can deepen and protection risks can increase, particularly for women and girls.
CARE has been working in Colombia since 1954 and today works alongside local partners and communities in five departments, including Valle del Cauca, one of the areas most affected by the earthquake, with a particular focus on protection, health and helping people recover from crises. CARE Colombia is urgently assessing the situation, connecting with affected communities and local organisations to better understand the impact and where support may be needed most. While the exact nature of CARE’s response is still to be determined, our support could come in the form of food assistance (through cash and vouchers), emergency supplies (via the deployment of the CARE PACKAGE for Emergencies), protection, health services and psychosocial support.
This emergency comes just weeks after the devastating earthquakes in neighbouring Venezuela, where CARE Colombia has been leading the organisation’s humanitarian response by supporting local partners.
We stand with communities across Colombia at this difficult time and will continue working closely with our partners as the situation develops.
ENDS
For media enquiries contact Briony FitzGerald on 0404 117 927
About CARE Australia
CARE Australia supports women around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We work in partnership with local communities to provide equal opportunities for women that they have long been denied: the ability to earn an income, gain access to their fair share of resources, to lead and participate in decisions that affect their lives, and to be able to withstand the increasing impacts of climate disasters and other crises. www.care.org.au
