New Zealand Red Cross has launched an Emergency Appeal to
support people affected by the devastating magnitude 7.4
earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday 10 August
(Tuesday 11 August NZT).
The earthquake struck near
San José del Palmar in the Chocó region and was felt
widely across Colombia and neighbouring countries, including
Ecuador and Panama.
It has caused widespread damage
across western Colombia, including in Chocó, Valle del
Cauca and the coffee-growing region. Buildings have
collapsed or been damaged in cities including Cali, Pereira
and Manizales. Damage to roads, telecommunications and other
infrastructure is making it difficult to reach some affected
communities.
More than 175 people are reported to have
died, and 2,500 people are injured. Search and rescue
operations remain the immediate priority, with emergency
teams working to locate people trapped under collapsed
buildings and reach communities close to the
epicentre.
Families have been left without shelter,
while damage and disruption to infrastructure is affecting
access to essential services in some areas.
“Our
thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by this
devastating earthquake,” says Sarah Stuart-Black,
Secretary General of New Zealand Red
Cross.
“Communities face immense challenges as
emergency responders work around the clock to find survivors
and support people whose lives have been
upended.”
The Colombian Red Cross (Cruz Roja
Colombiana) has been responding since the earthquake struck.
Teams are working in affected areas and alongside
authorities and other members of Colombia’s National System
for Disaster Risk Management to provide humanitarian
assistance and support where it is most needed.
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New
Zealand Red Cross has launched the Colombia Earthquake
Emergency Appeal to support the humanitarian response. Funds
raised through the Emergency Appeal will help provide
humanitarian assistance based on the needs of affected
communities. This may include emergency relief, health
services, safe drinking water, emergency shelter,
psychosocial support and other essential
assistance.
“People across New Zealand can help by
donating to the appeal, supporting the vital work underway
and helping communities through the difficult days and weeks
ahead,” says Sarah Stuart-Black.
For those who want
to donate to the appeal: Colombia
Earthquake Emergency Appeal. Donate for Emergency Relief.
New Zealand Red Cross – New Zealand Red Cross
(https://donate.redcross.org.nz/colombia-earthquake-emergency-appeal)
