This week Samaritan’s Purse is airlifting relief to Colombia after a powerful earthquake killed hundreds of people, destroyed at least 1,600 homes, and damaged thousands more. Communities in the western part of the country are devastated.
Buildings even swayed in Bogota, roughly 150 miles east of the epicenter. It is the strongest earthquake centered in Colombia in nearly five decades.
“All of us were shocked to see the news and videos of the powerful earthquake in Colombia,” said Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham. “Samaritan’s Purse has worked in Colombia for many years and has three field offices in different areas there. I encourage you to pray for the people of this country. Many have died. People are sleeping on the streets in fear because of the strong aftershocks.”
Our 767 aircraft is scheduled to carry 100,000 pounds of relief, including shelter supplies, solar lights, and hygiene kits, to assist hard-hit communities. Many grieving families have lost their homes and people are living in makeshift shelters as rescue teams continue searching through the rubble for survivors.
The destruction stretched across western Colombia, hitting the coffee-growing region especially hard, including the cities of Pereira and Manizales. Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, and Quibdo, the capital of Choco, also sustained significant destruction and now rescue crews are searching for survivors beneath collapsed buildings.
Damaged roads, communications outages, and difficult terrain have complicated efforts to reach communities in remote parts of Choco, a region of rugged mountains, dense rainforest, and river valleys.
Please pray as we respond. Ask God to guide emergency responders and protect the many survivors who are suffering. Pray also that He would comfort grieving families and that they would experience the hope of His presence in their lives.
