International aid agencies have warned the true scale of Colombia’s earthquake disaster on Monday is “still emerging”, with more than 250 people confirmed dead and thousands more injured. Source: The Tablet.
The numbers are expected to grow further as information is received from the most remote areas where communication has broken down, especially with thousands still missing.
About 1100 homes were destroyed and 8000 damaged, with health centres, education institutes and community centres among the buildings affected. A national disaster has been declared following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake.
The epicentre was in San José Del Palmar, in the Chocó region, which is one of the poorest areas that is also under strain from an ongoing armed conflict.
The true scale of the tragedy is still emerging, particularly in remote rural areas where indigenous communities live, British Catholic aid agency Cafod said.
“Attempts at delivering aid are being hampered by damaged roads and broken communications.”
Diana Trimino, head of programs for Latin America at Cafod, 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, alongside 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,” she added.
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.”
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Aid agencies warn that true scale of Colombia disaster is ‘still emerging’ (By Ruth Gledhill, The Tablet)
