Colombia Earthquake: Help Rural Communities

On August 10, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia near San José del Palmar in Chocó and was felt across much of the country. There was significant damage in Chocó and neighboring departments, with Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Quibdó, and surrounding communities among the affected areas.

Immediately following the earthquake, while government and emergency services mobilized, isolated rural communities were difficult to reach due to damaged infrastructure, disrupted communications, and their distance from established response centers. HALO Colombia used its extensive vehicle fleet, operational reach, and medically qualified personnel to conduct a rapid needs assessment in underserved communities. 

Across the municipalities of Buenos Aires, Morales, and Suarez, the most immediate need communities requested support for was food, drinkable water, and hygiene items. HALO was able to provide and distribute food and hygiene packages. Each package provided much needed food items like rice, beans, lentils, and cooking supplies, as well as hygiene items like toilet paper, toothbrushes, and soap to 252 people. 

Buenos Aires, Morales, and Suarez have a higher proportion of indigenous communities and are all areas where HALO is already operating, which means they are all additionally conflict affected.

A community leader in Morales shared their thanks to HALO and our supporters, “I’d like to thank HALO for supporting us. Every time we’ve needed you, you’ve been there for us in every step of the way. On behalf of the Brisas del Lago Community Action Board, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks – thank you very much.”

There is still more work to do to help families in Colombia. HALO has identified several schools that are in need of reconstruction due to damage from the earthquake. Your gift today can make this possible.