Rescue efforts continue as communities rally to support victims and families
Category: U.S. News
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, leading to a rising death toll and widespread devastation. As of now, more than 250 people have died, with over 3,000 reported missing by relatives, according to local officials. The quake severely impacted the city of Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, where hundreds of buildings have been compromised and many individuals remain trapped under the rubble.
This seismic event is noted as the strongest recorded tremor in Colombia in the 21st century, with nearly two dozen powerful aftershocks following the initial quake. The earthquake's epicenter was located almost 100 kilometers deep, a factor that has raised concerns about the structural integrity of buildings in the region. Newly elected Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency to expedite access to funds and resources for recovery efforts.
In the aftermath, families in the Bay Area are urgently trying to assist loved ones in Colombia. Liliana, a resident of Colombia, shared a harrowing moment captured on video just seconds after the quake struck. Her daughter, Paula Favre, who lives in San Jose, received a phone call from her mother that morning. "Yo contesté y mi mamá estaba llorando," Favre recalled, which translates to, "I answered, and my mom was crying." Favre's mother had been on the fifth floor of a building during the earthquake. Now, the structure has visible cracks and is deemed unsafe for habitation.
As rescue teams work tirelessly to find those still trapped beneath the debris, the Bay Area community is mobilizing to support earthquake victims in Colombia. The San Jose Earthquakes soccer team announced on social media that they will match community donations to the American Red Cross relief efforts up to $2,500.
Colombia's Pacific region, where the earthquake struck, lies within the "Ring of Fire," an area known for its seismic activity due to numerous faults surrounding the Pacific Ocean. This geographical reality has historically made Colombia susceptible to earthquakes. Dr. Kit Miyamoto, a structural engineer and California Seismic Safety Commissioner, expressed his concerns about the implications of the Colombian disaster for California. He noted that the architectural vulnerabilities exposed in South America can be found in California as well. "The building types you find in Colombia, Venezuela, you’ll actually find in the Bay Area, in LA, in Sacramento, everywhere," Miyamoto said.
He also pointed out that any structures built before 1980 in California are considered dangerous due to inadequate reinforcement. "Buildings collapse because of that and we’re going to see some of the same issues in CA," he warned. Fortunately, California has a rigorous inspection process conducted by engineers at various levels of government, which can significantly mitigate disaster impacts.
In Colombia, the situation is dire as rescue operations continue. Organizations worldwide are rallying to provide aid to the affected regions. The World Central Kitchen, founded by renowned chef José Andrés, has been mobilizing resources to deliver food services to disaster victims. They are working with municipalities affected by the earthquake to provide nutritious meals to those in need.
Direct Relief, a nonprofit organization, is also on the ground, supplying medical resources such as antibiotics and wound care packages to earthquake victims. Their efforts extend to equipping paramedics with necessary surgical equipment and field medic packs. Meanwhile, La Cruz Roja Colombiana is actively working to restore living conditions for those impacted, providing medical care, potable water, and support for rescue missions.
In addition to immediate relief, several organizations are focused on long-term recovery. The House Project, founded by Argentine-Venezuelan singer Ricardo Montaner, is working to provide shelter and support to affected populations, particularly in Colombia's Chocó region, which has the largest Afro-Colombian population in the country. Marlene Rodríguez de Montaner, one of the project's leaders, emphasized the importance of solidarity during this crisis, stating, "Today Colombia needs us. Solidarity is one of the most important ways to tell someone: I am here. That’s why we invite you to help, together."
All Hands & Hearts is also present, providing necessary equipment to search-and-rescue teams. They have delivered tools such as concrete cutting equipment, jackhammers, and chainsaws to assist emergency responders. Their team is working closely with local authorities to source additional lighting equipment and supplies for those being treated outside damaged hospitals.
GlobalGiving has launched the Colombia Earthquake Relief Fund to support local organizations in their recovery efforts. The fund aims to provide emergency care equipment, medical supplies, and shelter, as well as to rebuild infrastructure to withstand future earthquakes. CARE, a humanitarian organization, has been active in Colombia since the mid-1950s and is currently supplying emergency medical services, temporary shelter, and personal hygiene supplies to those in need.
Project HOPE, a global health and humanitarian organization, has also mobilized teams to deliver life-saving medical services, water, and hygiene supplies. Their leadership has highlighted the importance of mental health support for those affected by the earthquake, stating, "People are scared of aftershocks — but health workers are continuing to provide lifesaving care in cracked buildings."
As the search for survivors continues and recovery efforts ramp up, the need for support remains urgent. The international community's response will play a key role in helping Colombia rebuild and recover from this devastating earthquake.