Following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on 10 August, ACT Alliance members are preparing a coordinated humanitarian response to support affected communities, with particular attention to Chocó and other heavily impacted areas, including Caldas, Risaralda and Valle del Cauca. According to information available as of August 14th, at least 284 people have died, more than 3,977 have been injured and approximately 360,000 people have been affected nationwide. Thousands of homes and public buildings have been destroyed or damaged, while continued aftershocks, landslides and disruptions to roads and communications are compounding humanitarian needs, particularly in rural, riverine and hard-to-reach communities. Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities are among those facing heightened vulnerabilities.
Through the ACT Colombia Forum, HEKS/EPER and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) are preparing a comprehensive response addressing urgent and evolving needs in WASH, emergency shelter and household items, food security,protection, mental health and psychosocial support, livelihoods and early recovery, alongside support for the rehabilitation of critical community infrastructure and essential services. The response will prioritize vulnerable households and communities that are difficult to reach through conventional humanitarian channels, while working closely with local organisations, faith-based partners, authorities and affected communities. As immediate life-saving needs are addressed, the response is expected pto progressively support safer housing, restoration of livelihoods, rehabilitation of community infrastructure and community-led recovery and resilience.
