Just weeks after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela, neighboring Colombia suffered its own deadly temblor Monday, leaving responders, volunteers and loved ones desperately searching for missing people and tending to those displaced or injured.
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake affected a large swath of western Colombia, from urban centers like Cali and Pereira to remote and rugged areas in the department of Chocó. As of Thursday evening, authorities had confirmed more than 280 dead, thousands injured and nearly 11,000 dwellings destroyed. Responders have managed to rescue nearly 350 people, but hundreds are still missing.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has promised a robust governmental response. But with so much need spread across a large area, aid groups will also play important roles helping those needing shelter, supplies and economic assistance.
Responders say helping Colombia with stronger democratic and civic institutions could be more straightforward than in Venezuela, where the interim government's response was widely criticized. But the affected area in Colombia is also much larger, complicating efforts.
“Institutional capacity does not remove the humanitarian need,” said Catalina Vargas, Colombia country director for the humanitarian group CARE. “The most severely affected area, Chocó, is also one of the most isolated and underserved parts of the country, so access remains the binding constraint regardless of the strength of national institutions.”
For those who can help, giving cash is ideal to give groups flexibility and agility, said Abe Diaz, head of disaster relief for Amazon, which is providing requested supplies to partners.
"Unrequested product donations overwhelm communities and force responders to divert resources from life-saving work just to sort and store unwanted supplies,” Diaz said.
Here are some organizations collecting donations for Colombia earthquake recovery, including U.S. groups responding on the ground and some local organizations accepting outside funds.
U.S.-based groups already on the ground
All Hands and Hearts has provided search and rescue tools like jackhammers and pickaxes to the Pereira fire department as well as blankets and rehydration supplies for those affected. Link to donate.
CARE has a longtime presence in Colombia. Its immediate support will focus on food assistance through cash and vouchers, emergency supply care packages, and protection and emotional support for affected families. Link to donate.
Direct Relief is funding medical responders on the ground and preparing to deliver requested medications and healthcare supplies. Link to donate.
GEM is joining with local partners to provide essential kits with food, water, and hygiene necessities. Link to donate.
Operation Blessing is focusing its initial response on providing food and water, as well as solar lanterns, to displaced people. Link to donate.
Save the Children has worked in Colombia for over 40 years and has begun psychosocial support activities and set up multiple child-friendly spaces in affected areas. Link to donate.
World Central Kitchen is providing food and water for displaced people, first responders and volunteers, including in more remote mountain communities. Link to donate.
Marc Anthony leads Sunday benefit concert for Colombia and Venezuela
Latin music stars Marc Anthony, Luis Fonsi, Chayanne, Feid, Jay Wheeler and many more will perform at an international benefit concert for Venezuela and Colombia on Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. EDT at Miami’s Kaseya Center. It will be carried live on Univision, ViX, WAPA and TelevisaUnivision radio stations, iHeartLatino and Venevision Play in Venezuela.
Viewers can donate by scanning on-screen QR codes, texting UNIDOS to 707070 or visiting univision.org during the broadcast. Proceeds will go to All Hands and Hearts, CARE, GEM, TECHO and World Central Kitchen.
Colombia-based groups accepting outside donations
Abaco Colombia, an association of 26 food banks across Colombia, is distributing food to affected families across the impacted regions. They accept online donations, though the payment processor requires a passport number.
Cruz Roja Colombiana teams are doing search and rescue, offering medical attention and psychosocial support, and filling other needs. They accept online donations, though the payment processor requires a passport number.
Fundación Solidaridad por Colombia: The foundation supports youth initiatives, nutrition and health, and community building. It's partnering with GEM to deliver relief supplies and food to displaced people in Pereira and other locations. They accept PayPal.
Fundación Semillas de Oportunidades supports youth through art and sport from its base in Quibdó, Chocó. They are supporting families of young people across Chocó. They accept PayPal.
Manos Visibles, a network of organizations dedicated to racial and territorial equity, is collaborating with a local trade school to help restore at least 100 homes in the city of Buenaventura. They accept online donations, though the payment processor requires a passport number.
Presentes Corporation, a 43-year-old organization in Colombia focused on community resilience, is partnering with the Miami-based nonprofit Give to Colombia to facilitate donations from the U.S. Their Colombia Se Levanta, or Colombia Rises, fund accepts online donations.
Refugio Huellas de Amor in Pereira is supporting rescue animals already in their care as well as other impacted animals. Huellitas Callejeras Barranquilla is sending vets and medical supplies to affected areas. Both accept PayPal.
Associated Press staff writer Megan Janetsky contributed reporting from Mexico City.
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