The strongest earthquake to hit Colombia in a decade has
struck the western part of Colombia, causing widespread
destruction across the Pacific Region. The disaster has left
children and families facing uncertainty, fear and the loss
of homes, schools and essential services, said Save the
Children.
The quake hit on Monday morning as families
were at home or beginning their day, with tremors felt as
far away as Venezuela. While the full extent of the damage
is still being assessed, preliminary reports indicate that
over
100 people, including children, have been killed, while
many more have been injured.
Maria Mercedes Liévano,
Save the Children’s Country Director for Colombia,
said:
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“While the full extent of the damage is still
emerging, we know that earthquakes can have a devastating
impact on children in an instant. In the aftermath of an
unforeseen event like this, children may face heightened
risks to their safety, well-being and access to essential
services. Communities are currently grappling with
disruption and uncertainty.”
The full scale of the
impact is still emerging as damaged infrastructure, power
outages and communications disruptions hamper assessments in
some of the worst-affected areas. Reports indicate that
buildings have collapsed, raising concerns that people may
remain trapped beneath the rubble. Schools and public
hospitals have been evacuated, with many sustaining severe
damage, disrupting children’s access to education,
healthcare and safe spaces at a time when they need them
most.
Children are among the most vulnerable in the
aftermath of earthquakes, facing heightened risks to their
health, protection and wellbeing, said Save the
Children.
As response efforts continue, there is an
urgent need for lifesaving assistance and support to rescue
survivors, and help children and families cope with their
immediate needs in the days and weeks ahead.
Save the
Children stands ready to support affected communities and is
closely monitoring the situation to provide support where it
is needed the most.
Save the Children has worked in
Colombia for 40 years, working in the regions most affected
by natural disasters, armed conflict, violence, poverty,
climate change, and mixed migration.
New Zealanders
wanting to support Save the Children’s work in emergencies
can donate to our Children’s
Emergency Fund –
https://www.savethechildren.org.nz/how-to-help/donate/childrens-emergency-fund-one-off
