A national disaster has been declared in Colombia following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake. More than 160 people have died, with rescue operations underway to prevent further loss of life. The epicentre was in San José Del Palmar, in the Choco region, which is one of the poorest and most affected by natural catastrophes. It is also impacted by the ongoing armed conflict.
The true scale of the tragedy is still emerging, particularly in remote rural areas where indigenous communities live. Attempts at delivering aid are being hampered by damaged roads and broken communications.
Diana Trimino, CAFOD Head of Programmes for Latin America, said:
“This is a devastating moment for Colombia, and our deepest condolences are with everyone who has lost a loved one. Behind every number is a family, a home and a life changed forever.
“CAFOD has made a £50,000 donation to support the initial humanitarian response. We, alongside our Church partners, will provide emergency shelter for those displaced and evacuated, and basics such as clean water and food.
“We stand with affected communities today and will continue to support them as they begin the long road to recovery. This is likely to be more challenging as communities also prepare for the expected impacts of El Niño later this year.”
The Colombian Bishops' Conference has also expressed solidarity:
“This painful moment reminds us that no one can face an emergency of this magnitude alone … We are called to recognise ourselves as one family and respond to the suffering of our brothers and sisters with generosity, responsibility and solidarity. Every act of help, every lending hand, every shared effort is a concrete sign of fraternity and hope.”
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Rosalind Mayfield, CAFOD Media Lead
Melissa Nethersole, CAFOD Media Officer
CAFOD’s out-of-hours media line
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas Internationalis, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice, including those worst hit by climate change. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.
CAFOD is funded mainly by voluntary donations from people in the Catholic community of England and Wales. We also receive funding from fellow Catholic charities and development agencies, the DEC, trusts and foundations, and the UK and other governments.
